Kirkstone Pass is set to close entirely for a maximum of three weeks to progress with a multi-million pounds road safety project.

The improvement scheme has restarted after a planned summer break using traffic light controls during the daytime.

A full closure is also scheduled for Monday, October 2, which will last for a maximum of three weeks.

The road will reopen again ahead of the school half-term holidays at the end of October.

During the full closure, workers will excavate the entire width of the carriageway to support its full reconstruction.

After the school holiday, some overnight closures will also be in place in the lead up to Christmas.

The operation, run under the Department for Transport’s (DfT) 'Safer Roads Project' is being managed by Westmorland and Furness Council.

It involves creating new drainage and culverts, resurfacing, and instituting new wooden-clad safety crash barriers and 'catchpits,' the latter to gather scree washed off the fells.

The project, designed to bolster the road against flooding and adverse weather while heightening safety and route resilience, is forecasted to reduce future enforced closures, particularly over the winter months.

Over 200 metres of new stone walling, improved signage and three new lay-bys have already been completed.

Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet member for Highways and Assets, said: “We have regular contact with representatives from businesses and the local community and have responded to their requests, including rescheduling this next full closure from September to the start of October after listening to their feedback.

“This is a complex project being carried out in a restricted location. It is obviously not possible to work on the pass during the winter months due to the weather, but we are taking great care to plan our work around the busiest holiday periods.’’

More information can be found on the council's website and YouTube channel.

Future overnight closures are planned for the following dates from 9pm until 7am (weather permitting):

Monday, October 30 - Friday, November 17

Wednesday, December 6 - Wednesday, December 20

Wednesday, January 3 - Friday, January 19

A full closure is also scheduled from March 1, spanning over four weeks, subject to weather conditions.