£200m road scheme receives final slice of funding

A £200m road scheme  in Lancashire is set to go ahead after the project received the final slice of funding from the government.

The  scheme on the western side of Preston will connect the M55 motorway to a new junction with Blackpool Road at Lea.

It will ease traffic in areas of the city including Fulwood, Ingol, Cottam, Lea and Ashton, and the wider area including the Enterprise Zone at Warton.

The scheme also includes two new roads connecting to the current and future development of thousands of homes in the Northwest Preston Strategic Housing Site.

These new roads will add additional capacity and help reduce congestion and queuing in the area.

Geoff Driver, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “This is a major new road scheme that will significantly improve access around the city, as well as creating a new connection onto the national motorway network.

“We’re delighted that the government has confirmed the final funding that we need to deliver these roads. We can now commence the construction work very soon.

“This road scheme will open up new business opportunities, improve access to existing and proposed housing sites and reduce congestion on other parts of the network by providing more options for how people can get around.”

Baroness Vere, Roads Minister, said: “Getting stuck in traffic is hugely frustrating for motorists, and creates poor air quality for those living and working in the area.

“That’s why I am delighted that work will start very soon on this transformative road scheme, which will not only save motorists time, but will also benefit the wider community through new jobs, more homes, and better air quality.”

The Preston Western Distributor Scheme is part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.

This is an agreement between Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, along with central government and Homes England.