The way has been cleared for a new road which will help boost the economy of north Cumbria.
The Secretary of State for Transport, John Spellar, has approved orders connected with the building of the Carlisle Northern Development Route.
The news, announced today, has been welcomed by Cumbria County Council.
The decision follows a public inquiry in December 2002, held to look into objections received after the publication of compulsory purchase and side road orders.
If all goes well, the PFI contract will be awarded in April 2005, with construction starting shortly afterwards. Completion is due in the early summer of 2007.
At the same time as construction of the new road would begin, it is proposed that the management and maintenance of a number of roads in North Cumbria would transfer to
a private operator in much the same way as the A69 between Carlisle and Newcastle.
June 5, 2003 08:30
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