Scheme outline
A new dual two-lane route linking the A583 and A584 west of Preston to a new junction on the M55. The route will include two intermediate roundabout junctions and will involve building a new interchange on the M55.
The M55 does not have a junction 2 because at the time the motorway was built a western bypass of Preston, to be part of the motorway network, was proposed. The western bypass motorway was never built but this scheme is a smaller scale attempt to provide a similar road.
The intermediate junctions are primarily to open up new land for development, and each will connect to another length of new road of a lower standard that will serve as a distributor for traffic serving new developments.
Timescale
Cost
Status
Under construction
Type
Highway authority
Funding
Progress
The DfT confirmed £31 million pounds of funding for this scheme this week. Clearance has begun around the M55, with overnight closures expected next week to narrow the lanes on the M55. The speed limit will be temporarily reduced to 50mph.
Work has now started, according to the Lancashire Evening Post.
More information
- Lancashire County Council: Preston Western Distributor
- Lancashire Enterprise Partnership: Planning application submitted for new Preston Western Distributor road
With thanks to Gerry McKenna for information on this page.
Lancashire County Council’s development control committee has approved the routes for all the roads.