Warwick Road in Carlisle to close for six weeks
Last updated at 10:10, Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Drivers could be set for a summer of misery in Carlisle after United Utilities revealed it will close a large stretch of Warwick Road for up to six weeks from next week.
The road – one of the main routes in and out of the city and one of the busiest in Carlisle – will be shut between Broad Street and Greystone Road from Tuesday, August 4.
The firm said the closure, which will allow major sewer works to take place, had been carefully considered, adding it had no other choice for safety reasons.
But it is sure to prove problematic for motorists aiming to reach major destinations such as Brunton Park and Tesco at Rosehill from the west and the centre of Carlisle.
The closure of such a busy main road could also have a knock-on effect on other traffic across the city, with cars, buses and lorries diverted elsewhere.
Diversions for the closure will be in place along Eastern Way, London Road, Botchergate, Lowther Street, Lonsdale Street and Spencer Street, it has been confirmed.
United Utilities said residents on the closed stretch will be allowed access.
Carlisle United fans coming from the west of both the city and the county are being urged to set off early for the opening game of the season on Saturday, August 8.
The new pipes are part of a huge scheme to cut the risk of flooding in the city.
Caroline Brumwell, United Utilities project liaison engineer, said: “If there had been any way of laying pipes across Warwick Road without closing it we would have done it. But for safety reasons it has become clear we have no choice. These pipes are 1.2m in diameter and have to be laid several metres below the road surface.
“Fortunately by timing the closure to coincide with the school holidays we are hoping to minimise the effect on traffic.”
Carlisle United chief executive David Allen said fans travelling to the club from the M6 at Rosehill would not be affected.
“It is going to be people travelling from the west,” he said.
“We have got a meeting next Monday to plan what instructions we need to give to fans to come to our opening game. There is some information on the club website and there will be more.
“It will be a bit of a nuisance and people will have to leave a little bit earlier but we don’t think it will put people off.”
“It might have a little bit of an impact on our club shop but United Utilities have got to do this work. It’s to the benefit of the city.”
The road will also be reduced to one lane at Victoria Place from today.
To help ease traffic flow while the diversion is in place, there will be no access onto Victoria Place from Georgian Way. There will also be no access onto Eastern Way from Carliol Drive.
Current sewer work on Greystone Road will be suspended for the duration of the closure of Warwick Road.
First published at 11:18, Monday, 27 July 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
I don't mind the inconvenience to protect the homes of people living in flood areas, it's the least we can do. However, it is really annoying that the same roads are often dug up time and time again. I realise that the different agencies cannot simply plan their work to coincide with each other but surely the lifespan of their pipes/wires doesn't necessitate constant repairs or replacement.
What I have noticed recently is that traffic is flowing badly due to mistimed stop/start of traffic lights, or at least it appears so. Sometimes driving into Carlisle down London Road to park in the Lanes I have had to stop at EVERY light - 13 in all including Pedestrian lights, almost every 400 yards on average. What happened to our 'Smart' traffic light system? Do we have it, does it work?I can't use the bus or walk, I'm far too lazy!View all 17 comments on this article
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Carlisle residents are used to this now, we know that those who make the decisions for us are overpaid and real numpties, but it doesn't give a very good impression to visitors to our city. If we can't even have a road system that isn't being dug up constantly and tarmac that is more like my grannies crumble, then why would anyone want to visit?
Posted by Anon on 1 August 2009 at 17:03