The proposed route for the Broughton bypass

A major new road due to ease traffic jams in the north of Preston has been given the green light.

The Broughton Bypass, talked about since the turn of the Millennium, is a 2km road which will divert traffic away from the busy village crossroads on the A6.

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A planning inspector has ruled Lancashire County Council may buy land needed for the road’s route, which includes farmland and part of a school playing field.

Objections had been raised to the compulsory purcharse orders but the inspector overruled these and has given it full approval, following a public inquiry in April.

The Bypass is expected to cost around £23.7 million and is being funded by the Preston and South Ribble CityDeal.

County councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I’m pleased with the planning inspector’s decision which allows us to progress with this much-needed scheme.

“Congestion has been an issue in Broughton village for the last 40 years and traffic has continued to grow with more than 22,000 vehicles now passing through on the A6 every day.

“Construction of the full bypass would reduce traffic travelling through the centre of Broughton on Garstang Road by up to 90 per cent.

“The bypass is a key scheme in our highways and transport masterplan and is vital to unlock future economic growth which would otherwise be strangled by worsening congestion.”

Last week the Garden City masterplan for building thousands of new homes in the North West of Preston was passed by Preston City Council.

The city council sees the bypass as a major part of allowing the new homes to be built.

Councillor John Swindells, deputy leader of Preston City Council, said: “The Broughton Bypass is a key part of the City Deal. The bypass will ease traffic congestion, improve air quality and bring relief to people in and around the Broughton area.

“But it’s not just about roads. The bigger picture is of a more vibrant, confident and prosperous Preston with a thriving economy, being an even greater place to live. This is an important step forward to achieving Preston’s full potential and future destiny.”

Work on the bypass is due to begin in late 2015 and the road is expected to be open by Spring 2017.

The county council first received planning permission for the road in 2001, but funding problems and lapsed planning permissions have thwarted attempts to build the road.

What will the bypass look like?

It will run for 2km and the northern section goes from the A6 Garstang Road to the B5269 Whittingham Lane. This section wpuld have one lane in each direction.

A southern section from the B5269 Whittingham Lane to the Broughton roundabout (M55 junction 1) would be two lanes in each direction.

What do you think about the decision? Do you live in the area? Let us know in the comments below