Roadworks have been a feature of Penwortham for many months Pic: Richard Tierney

Roadworks which have lasted nearly 18 months in Penwortham have now finished as the latest section of A582 dual carriageway opens.

Work to turn Golden Way from Cop Lane to the Broad Oak roundabout into two lanes either side is now complete.

A legal wrangle between Lancashire County Council and Marston’s, who own the Brown Hare pub near Booths, had held up the work.

County councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This is yet another stage in the process to improve the road infrastructure around Preston and South Ribble to support future growth.

“It’s vital that we have the road network in place to support new homes being built, encourage new businesses and grow our economy.

“This is an exciting time. A lot of work is already taking place and more work is planned to transform the area in the coming years. This will benefit the economy in central Lancashire, as well as other parts of the county, through improved links to other major roads and the national motorway network.”

The funding for the roadworks came from the City Deal, a £430m investment in new roads and homes in Preston and South Ribble.

The Penwortham works also saw a new toucan crossing added at the Broad Oak Lane roundabout and a new cycle way along Millbrook Way and Cop Lane linking to Hurst Grange Park.

What else is happening on the A582?

The roadworks are far from over for motorists using the route into the city centre.

Lancashire County Council is turning most of the stretch from the M65 junction through to the city centre into dual carriageway.

The Flensburg Way roundabout, next to the tip and has the Centurion Tank parked on it, currently has workmen creating extra lanes and new traffic lights.

A section of the proposed A582 dual carriageway and which land would be protected from development

The rest of the stretch through to Cuerden has a proposed route, which the county council has consulted on and is due for sign off during the summer.

What do you think of the roadworks? Have they affected you? Will the new dual carriageway help your commute? Let us know in the comments below