Detailed plans for a new roundabout on the A590 are expected to go to public consultation later this year.

It comes after district and county councillors met transport secretary Chris Grayling to lobby for the long-called-for scheme.

The group of local councillors have been working with Highways England to draw up a comprehensive plan for the new roundabout with A5074 near Levens and a range of safety improvements on the road from Brettargh Holt to Meathop.

Improvements to the A590 are central to creating an economic corridor that can support existing businesses and help attract new ones.

Alongside the new roundabout, the team of councillors and highways officials have also been looking at measures to make the road safer including an upgrade to the existing underpass at Levens to provide better access for pedestrians, and improving the layout of the slip-roads linking the A590 with the A6.

Councillor James Airey said: “Resolving traffic bottlenecks and improving safety along the A590 will help bring more jobs and prosperity to our area by creating a thriving economic corridor that serves residents and businesses. A new roundabout at Gilpin Bridge is a key part of that vision. Following our positive meeting with the Transport Secretary we now expect Highways England to launch a formal public consultation on the plans in the next few months.”