A milestone has been reached in the Carlisle Southern Link Road project as Cumbria County Council has appointed Morgan Sindall infrastructure to undertake the detailed design of the road.

The major project will connect Junction 42 of the M6 with the A595 at Newby West.

The appointment follows a competitive selection process which began last summer.

It is hoped the road will play a vital role in supporting both the economic recovery of Cumbria following Covid-19, and the successful delivery of initiatives such as St. Cuthbert’s Garden Village.

SCGV is a scheme led by Carlisle City Council delivering 10,000 new homes and employment opportunities within Carlisle, bringing significant benefits to the city and the wider county.

The delivery of the new road will improve east to west connectivity to the south of the city, reducing congestion and improving road connections to West Cumbria.

Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, is currently delivering several highways schemes throughout the UK under local authority frameworks and for Highways England.

They are also undertaking important infrastructure works in Cumbria for Sellafield Ltd. Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s knowledge and expertise will be used to further develop the design of the Carlisle Southern Link Road over the next 10 months.

Commenting on the award of the contract to Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, councillor Keith Little, the county council’s cabinet member for highways and transport said: “I’m delighted that we have reached this important milestone.

"The benefits the road will bring in connecting East and West Cumbria and unlocking housing for the new garden village as well as stimulating employment, economic growth and investment at a time when our county really needs it cannot be underestimated.” 

Morgan Sindall Infrastructure’s Managing Director, Simon Smith said: "We are delighted to be awarded this scheme to support the strategic improvement of the local area's infrastructure.

He said: "We look forward to developing and strengthening our relationship with Cumbria County Council and our local partners, whilst also helping to ensure that all the benefits of the project are realised as part of our commitment to delivering innovative and responsible infrastructure."