Broughton Bypass has another new opening date

The much delayed Broughton Bypass has a new opening date – and it’s sooner than previously thought.

The 1km road, aimed at reducing traffic at the Broughton crossroads lights, has been plagued by construction problems.

Now Lancashire County Council says vehicles will be able to use the new road from Thursday 5 October.

However, some work will still be needed before the official opening of the road in the coming months. But drivers will be able to use the new road from the October date.

In June the county council said the bypass wouldn’t be opening until early 2018. But has now brought that forward again.

Leader of the county council Geoff Driver CBE said: “We’re pleased that this landmark project is about to open. Living in north Preston I’m well aware of the delays that people have experienced over the years and the need for this new road.

“The bypass will bring much-needed congestion relief to the village itself and the wider area. It is expected to improve travel times, while helping to reduce pollution through the village due to standing traffic.

“It’s been a long time since a bypass was first talked about, and we’re pleased that it’s now finally happened.”

The new road, funded by the City Deal, has seen costs spiral to £32million due to the late-running roadworks.

Problems with bridges and underpasses put pay to an initial completion date of Spring this year, and it was pushed back again from an August opening.

Chair of the City Deal, a £434million investment in roads and housing in Preston, South Ribble, Jim Carter, said: “This is a major milestone in our work to unlock the potential of this area, helping people to get around, creating new jobs and economic growth.

“Our City Deal aims to transform the area by reducing congestion and helping people to get around. Good connectivity is vital for businesses to grow and prosper.

“As well as reducing travel times for business and creating new commercial opportunities, the new bypass also supports new housing sites around Broughton and Whittingham, providing new homes for people and their families in the local area.”

The county council put the new opening date down to good weather and the number of staff on the construction site.

Cabinet member for highways and transport county councillor Keith Iddon said: “It was important to us that we could get this road open. When I became the cabinet member a few months ago, I wanted to talk to HOCHTIEF and our own highways team to see if we could speed things up at all. Thanks to their hard work we’ve now been able to do this.”

Once work on the bypass is complete roadworks will begin on the Broughton crossroads.

It includes removing the traffic lights and introducing a 20mph speed limit on the A6 through the village.

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