SOME disruption is expected as work to introduce new speed limits on sections of the A590 starts.

Reduced speed limits are being introduced at problem areas on the road that connects Furness with the M6.

Several sections will see speed limits reduced by up to 20mph in a bid to improve safety on the road.

Speed cameras are also being installed to enforce the new limits.

Work will start tonight (Monday), with possible disruption between Greenodd and Ayside, near Newby Bridge.

The work will be carried out overnight between 8pm and 6am.

National Highways said there would be a combination of temporary traffic lights and lane closures depending on the location.

It told residents in a letter: "We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you.

"Your ongoing support and co-operation are much appreciated and help to keep our workers and other road users safe."

The 'vital' £900,000 project by National Highways follows years of campaigning.

A section of the road near Newby Bridge garage, which has seen a number of accidents over recent years, is due to have its speed limit cut from 60mph to 40mph. 

As well as the cut between Newby Bridge and Canny Hill Junction, the A590 from Greenodd to Roan Wood will have its speed limit cut from 60mph to 50mph and Haverthwaite dual carriageway from 70mph to 60mph.

Speed cameras will be installed at nine locations.

National Highways said it accepts the scheme will increase journey times but hopes it will help to reduce the number of incidents and delays on the road.

Community leaders and campaign group Cumbria Better Connected have campaigned for new safety features on the road for a number of years.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron, who chairs the group, said he wrote to the government calling for a reduction in speed limits in 2021. 

Welcoming the announcement on speed cuts, he said: “Far too often we see collisions on the A590 which result in serious injuries or, in some instances, people tragically losing their lives.

“So it’s absolutely brilliant news that National Highways are set to bring in new measures which will make this important road much safer."