MARK Jenkinson MP has welcomed news that the ambitious £10m Workington Gateway project has moved a step closer.
A planning application has been submitted to begin the works on the widening of the Ramsay Brow junction following his successful and long-running campaign.
The move by the local authority comes after Mark lobbied Government for investment in the vital infrastructure scheme – work which started even before he became the MP for Workington.
Mark said: “I have championed these changes since prior to my election, and it formed part of My Plan for the Workington constituency.
“Following my election, I successfully forced the County Council to rethink their plans for a five-lane gyratory splitting the town – these plans didn’t deal with the pinch point further down at Hall Brow or deliver any of what we see in this fantastic project.
“This is part of a much wider £10m scheme that looks at the Hall Brow pinch point, and flood resilience on Hall Brow. It also brings in upgraded walking and cycling routes through Hall Park, increasing accessibility and footfall, and brings the Walled Garden in the park back into use.
“I was delighted to be able to lobby for this to be funded directly through the Department for Levelling Up.
“These vital improvements will encourage more HGVs to use the A595 to instead of driving through towns and villages along the A596. Crucially, it will open up access to the Port and Oldside industrial park on the north side of the river – works which have themselves been funded through the Conservative Government’s multi-million Town Deal.
“The scheme will reduce congestion on Washington Street (A596) and make it easier for people to access the town centre. Finally, it will connect Washington Square and Murray Road retail hub with the historic quarter of the town, including Hall Park, and Grade I-listed Workington Hall.”
