New £70m proposals to help people's journeys in South Ribble and Preston

A series of improvements are being proposed to help reduce congestion and make journeys more reliable through parts of South Ribble and Preston.

This includes proposals for part of the A582, which is one of the key routes between the M65 and M6 to Preston city centre.

These new proposals, which would cost around £70m, include junction upgrades and the use of advanced technology to improve journey times along the road.

The proposals also include significant improvements for routes in Lostock Hall, Lower Penwortham and the Strand Road/Fishergate Hill area of Preston, with a focus on traffic calming measures, improvements to public transport and better walking and cycling facilities.

The scheme aims to help make it easier for people to get around for work and leisure, encourage new housing sites, support economic growth and improve access to employment areas. It will also have the benefit of improving air quality and encouraging more sustainable travel choices.

People will have the opportunity to give their views on the proposals through a public consultation which will help shape the plans.

Running until Wednesday 21 August, the consultation will also give people the opportunity to find out more about the scheme.

There will also two drop-in events, which people are invited to attend:

• Thursday 18 July 2024, between 9am and 8pm at the St Gerard's Parochial Centre, Brownedge Road in Lostock Hall.
• Tuesday 30 July 2024, between 9am and 8pm, at the Gujarat Hindu Society Temple, Conference Centre, South Meadow Lane in Preston.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, said: "These proposals would represent a significant investment in our local infrastructure, with the aim of helping people to get around by improving the A582 and other local roads, providing more options for people to walk, wheel and cycle.

"A significant investment in the road network will also support the creation of new jobs and deliver economic growth in this area.

"Please help us to shape these proposals during the consultation process, which will help us to prepare a stronger bid to government to bring this funding to Lancashire, which will benefit local journeys, businesses and local people."

Find out more and give your views on the consultation on the county council's website.