Press release

Contraflow for A66 Bassenthwaite Lake safety camera and rock face works

The westbound carriageway of the A66 around Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria will close for 3 weeks next month – with a contraflow system in operation - as Highways England carries out safety work.

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In a £160,000 project due to start on Tuesday 1 September, safety cameras along the route - where a 50 mph speed limit is in place – will be upgraded and routine maintenance undertaken to ensure drivers continue to be protected from rock falls will also be taking place.

While the westbound carriageway is closed, drivers will be able to use a single lane of the eastbound carriageway as a contraflow system will be put in place.

Highways England project manager Peter Gee said:

To help minimise disruption to road users we are carrying out 2 pieces of work at the same time. The cameras were installed in 2010 to help enforce the 50 mph speed limit along this short section of the A66 and are now being upgraded to the latest specifications.

At the same time we’ll be using the closure of the westbound carriageway to carry out routine rock face maintenance – minimising disruption to drivers.

General inquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media inquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 17 August 2015