Work on a decades-old plan for a bypass to the south of Preston could begin within months.

Penwortham Bypass, costing around £17.5million, has been given approval by Lancashire County Council.

Running from the A59 (Liverpool Road) to the A582 (Brown Hare roundabout) the road is due to reduce congestion through the centre of Penwortham.

It is estimated the bypass will take just under two years to build.

The route for the bypass involves the playing fields at All Hallows Catholic High School being relocated.

Cabinet member for highways and transport county councillor Keith Iddon said: “The Penwortham Bypass had been discussed for many years, so this is a significant step forward in delivering this new road.

“We’re pleased that once again City Deal is able to unlock the potential of the area and help people to get around. We’re keen to get started on this important project, which could begin in the coming months.

“The bypass is a key City Deal project, along with the Broughton Bypass which is nearing completion and scheduled to open in October.

“We’re already seeing a lot of progress from our City Deal, which will transform the area and bring new jobs and economic growth.”

Read more: Watch the route planned for the Penwortham Bypass

Final plans for the bypass were submitted in January but have been stalled in getting infront of the county council’s development committee for approval.

The initial plans for the bypass included a roundabout where the new road meets the A59, instead this will be a traffic light junction.

Leader of South Ribble Borough Council councillor Peter Mullineaux said: “This is great news for the people of Penwortham, as well as those from the surrounding area. Although the construction phase will mean some disruption, it’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind.

“Once completed, the new road will significantly reduce congestion and queuing through the centre of Penwortham, especially at peak times, meaning less pollution and quicker journey times for residents.”

Read more: There’s a new date for when the Broughton Bypass opens

The county council says once the bypass is complete there will be ‘improvements to the public realm’ through Penwortham’s centre, with proposals due to be put out for public consultation in the coming months.

Funding for the bypass is coming from the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal – a £434million investment in roads and housing across the area.

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