Chain House Lane landmark for City Deal
THE first part of a £430m project to make the Preston and South Ribble area one of the most important economic centres in the region is now complete.
This landmark was reached today with the opening of an improved section of the A582 at its junction with Chain House Lane, Penwortham.
Work on this junction, along with other improvements to the A582, forms a key part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.
City Deal aims to create around 20,000 new jobs, build new homes and to grow the local economy by more than 2.3bn.
John Fillis, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "This is an important landmark in the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal project.
"The improvements to Chain House Lane are the first part of the scheme to be completed and are a sign to everyone of how quickly progress is being made.
"With plans to create so many extra jobs and new homes, it's important we increase capacity on the roads and transport network. Although we're looking to improve the roads for the future, people will see immediate benefits of the new junction leading to shorter journey times, less congestion and improved safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
"The A582 is one of four major highway schemes that form the backbone of City Deal. By improving the A582 at Chain House Lane, and at other junctions and sections of this road, we will reduce congestion and make it much easier for people to get around."
More than £8m is being invested in improvements to the A582 this year.
Changes to the junction at Chain House Lane include resurfacing, widening the road to provide more lanes and a new traffic light system. These improvements will make it much easier for cyclists and traffic to use the junction.
Councillor Margaret Smith, leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “I welcome the completion of this stage of the improvements, and look forward to it making a real difference around the junction.
“South Ribble already enjoys the best job creation rates in the north west, and this investment in infrastructure will enable us to continue to support growth and innovation, which in turn will bring forward improvements in our towns and villages.”
Work has now started on the next phase of improvements to the A582 with the resurfacing of Golden Way between the Ribble Bridge and Hill Road. Changes to the Stanifield Lane/Watkin Lane roundabout close to Lostock Hall will be made in January next year.
Ends
Notes to editors
• City Deal was agreed between Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, along with central government and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) in September 2013.
• The A582 improvements are part of plans to increase capacity on vital routes outlined in Lancashire County Council's Highways and Transport Masterplan for the area. They are one of four major highway schemes to be delivered under the City Deal.
For further information please contact: Rob Bywater on 01772 534334