Your questions answered

De-specialisation and why is it important

The A601(M) was part of the original motorway when it ended at the A6 north of Carnforth. When the motorway was extended further north from junction 35, the link road was retained as part of the motorway network. Whilst there is a need to maintain a dual carriageway road from the M6 to the A6, it is not necessary for it to continue to be motorway.

Motorways have what is known as Special Road status and have different standards for their design and operation. Motorways are usually managed by National Highways who are a government company.

De-specialisation (removal of motorway status) is the process whereby the County Council has asked the Secretary of State for Transport to confirm if the road can be removed from the motorway network and for it become part of the local road network. This has been approved and the road is now the A6070.

Where the money has come from

Lancashire County Council has received £9.245m from the Department for Transport to carry out vital repairs to the A6070.

Works being undertaken

The planned works to the A6070 include extensive repairs and improvement to the road. We will be removing the hard shoulders and repairing and enhancing the entire drainage system. The road surface is to be completely replaced and new white lines will be laid. The road signing is to be replaced and we are also updating the signs on the approach routes as a consequence of the change from M601(M) to A6070.

Safety fencing will also be repaired with large lengths replaced and improved.

We will also be undertaking extensive repairs and improvements to the bridges. The bridges that are under the A6070 will have major reconstruction of the verges, so we can install modern edge parapets that are stronger and safer. We are also replacing the bearings on Higher North Road Bridge, which are highly corroded. Without attention the bridge will become progressively unable to sustain unrestricted traffic use.

Can you walk or cycle down the road now?

The original design of the road as a motorway never included facilities for non-motorised users. For example, the width available at existing bridges does not allow sufficient space to pass without potentially entering the traffic lane and therefore the route is unsuitable for safe use by non-motorised users in its current form.

Options to accommodate non-motorised users were considered during the design stage of the project but the cost benefit for the demand could not be supported in the County Councils current transport plans. The funding received from the Department for Transport is principally to implement the de-specialisation of the road and undertake critical improvement works for Lancashire County Council to maintain the road in the future.

There is an existing prohibition for non-motorised users along the B6601 link. For the safety of those groups, a similar prohibition on the A6070 is to be submitted following recommendations from a road safety audit and users are advised to follow safer, more appropriate, alternative routes.

The proposed scheme does not preclude the inclusion of facilities for non-motorised users in the future should there be sufficient demand and funding available for their provision.

Why the speed limit is now 50mph

De-specialisation provides the opportunity to change the operational standards and to reduce the speed limit to 50mph, which make the works more cost effective to deliver and maintain in the long term, whilst improving safety.

How the speed limit will be enforced

The speed limit is to be enforced by the police. The operation of the road will be monitored once the works are complete.

Proposals for future development that may affect the road

Every development proposal is considered on its merit in highway and planning terms, having regard to the surrounding infrastructure. As the road does not have any special status, new motorised access onto the A6070 can be provided, but any new junction will need to satisfy design standards and be supported by a road safety audit. With regard to non-motorised users, it is important that any development proposed integrates into the existing environment offering suitable levels of connectivity supporting a sustainable development in line with National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). With this, development must cater for pedestrian, cyclists and having access to public transport. Whilst it is not for the Local Highway Authority (LHA) to indicate future planning applications that might affect the road, support for residential development has previously provided by the LHA to the south of the rail line, west of the A6070. Motorised access was agreed to be served off the A6070 and sustainable access provided off the local roads within the built environment with supporting improvements secured.

More information

Search on the internet for #A6070-Carnforth-Maintenance or email A6070@lancashire.gov.uk.