Start date for work on bypass set

Work on a long-awaited £22m bypass which will remove heavy traffic from two villages is due to start next Spring, it has been announced.

The aim is the A590 High and Low Newton scheme will cut 90% of traffic through the villages and reduce accidents.

The contract for the scheme has been awarded to Lang O'Rourke by the Highways Agency with the start date expected to be in Spring 2006.

Campaigners have fought for years to have the bypass built.

Road minister Dr Stephen Ladyman said: "The new bypass will bring considerable safety improvements and improve the quality of life for the villages of High and Low Newton.

Accident record

"It will reduce noise and pollution and will be a great relief to residents, who have campaigned long and hard for it.

"The bypass has been carefully planned to blend in with the surrounding countryside and extensive landscaping work will take place to minimise visual intrusion into the local landscape."

The Highways Agency said the existing road is substandard in terms of visibility, width and safe overtaking opportunities and has a poor accident record.

Environmental conditions in the village are unacceptable because of noise, dust, dirt and fumes from passing traffic, it said.

Up to 14,000 vehicles a day use the A590, including about 2,000 lorries.