A set of traffic lights in Kirkby Stephen could be removed, town councillors have been told.
County councillor Phil Dew (Con, Kirkby Stephen) said: “Discussions continue with National Highways regarding diversion routes during the dualling of the A66 – and specifically mitigations relating to the A685.
“These include the provision of parking facilities for residents living at the south end of South Road and the (possible) removal of the traffic lights at the Nateby Road/Market Street junction following a realignment of the carriageway.”
Concerns have been raised that Kirkby Stephen could get clogged up with traffic if appropriate measures are not put in place. This has been experienced recently when the A66 has been closed as a result of accidents and vehicles are diverted onto the A685 from Brough to Tebay.
A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said: “We are working closely with National Highways on ensuring the best possible outcome for local communities along the A66 corridor.
“Any measures proposed by National Highways on local roads would require approval by CCC as local highway authority. Any specific changes requiring changes to TRO’s would include formal consultation with all affected communities.”
A spokesman for National Highways said: “We are working with the local authority to understand what impact the scheme will have on the A685 during construction.”
