Junction 38 Petition reaches over 1,700 signatures

A petition as part of a campaign to keep junction 38 open has reached over 1700 signatures.

Last year, National Highways, formerly Highways England, announced plans to replace eight bridge deck structures along the six-mile stretch of highway between junction 37 and junction 38.

These repairs would result in the partial closure of junction 38, only allowing movement in one direction for four years.

Communities in the surrounding area, such as Orton, Kirby Stephen and Tebay, have expressed concern that closing the junction will have a severe negative impact on the community.

In an effort to keep junction open, activists from the local communities and the Westmorland, Furness and Eden Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign dubbed “Keep Junction 38 Open!”.

As part of this, a petition has been launched. It has recently surpassed over 1700 signatures.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron told The Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We understand that National Highways must do vital maintenance to keep our road safe.

“But precious little though has been given to the enormous impact this will have on local communities.

“The partial closure of junction 38, at the same time as the closure of the bridge on the A685 just outside of Tebay will be devastating for local residents, families, businesses and farms.

“I am in regular conversation with National Highways, urging them to think again to ensure that these communities aren’t cut off for years in end.”

A National Highways spokesperson said: “The bridges over the Lune Gorge were built more than 60 years ago and are near the end of their lifespan. This work is vital for drivers to have safe and reliable journeys, and to maintain the structures for the future.

“The main work begins in 2027. Our aim is always to cause as little disruption as possible. That’s why we are working with local communities and businesses nearby to limit the impact.

The spokesperson said that National Highways has been listening to and considering local businesses and communities that could be impacted by the work.

“Junction 38 will be accessible for the majority of the project apart from occasional overnight or weekend closures, which we will keep to a minimum. These are necessary to keep our workforce and drivers safe,” they added.