Last updated at 06:34, Friday, 05 March 2010

ALMOST four months after the floods many people remain frustrated at what they perceive to be a lack of clear direction on transport issues.

There is still no decision on the location of two permanent bridge replacements for Workington.

The state of Calva Bridge remains uncertain. This, remember, was the structure about to collapse in November, but it still stands today with no decision about its future.

A monument to uncertainty, some might suggest.

We welcome the progress on a temporary road bridge in Workington and the moves towards reopening other vital crossings.

But why is it taking so long for a permanent solution to be found?

Fifteen weeks on and we still have no definite proposals about a project that we’ve already been told will take two years to complete.

This week’s fatal A66 crash reminds us of the importance of getting this area moving fully again.

Because even without the bridge closures, Tuesday’s shutdown of the main route into West Cumbria would still have caused utter chaos.

That’s why we again call for the entire A66 to be made dual carriageway as a priority.

And if we’re serious about rebuilding our transport infrastructure better than before, surely there’s a case for the shuttle train and emergency Workington North station to be made permanent.

The demands are there; now we need action.

First published at 19:30, Thursday, 04 March 2010
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk