A key feature of the Highways England scheme to help tackle Lindal ‘dip’ flooding will be to install a large drain across the carriageway to funnel and channel away run-off water from the A590. Existing drainage will also be replaced with new kerb drains and gullies.

Highways England is still working on securing a permanent solution to the issue which sees the A590, east of Lindal-in-Furness near Ulverston, regularly flood in severe weather. The new drainage improvements taking place this month will help to tackle the problem and will become part of a bigger scheme in the future.

During last December’s storms, temporary traffic lights had to be deployed several times to help drivers pass the flooded carriageway. The flooding is caused by a combination of factors including the carriageway dip and water from several sources, including the local road network, collecting on the A590.

Highways England project manager Peter Gee said:

"We are acutely aware this issue is a long-running concern for local people and other regular users of the A590, and we’re as keen as anyone to provide a permanent solution."

"While we have investigated and discounted a number of remedial options over the last few years, we are now in sight of developing a permanent fix. In the meantime, these drainage improvements will not only help provide some temporary relief but also contribute to a long term solution."

Last month, the A591 between Grasmere and Keswick reopened 3 weeks ahead of schedule after the road suffered extensive storm damage in the winter. Highways England was brought in by the government to repair a 4-mile stretch of the road, including a 100 metre section at Dunmail Raise which was washed away in the storms.

Over £250 million has now been provided by the government to areas to make sure communities can get back on their feet and help the North recover from flooding caused by the December storms – covering promotion of the area as a tourist destination, support for businesses and families, and flood repairs.