A new roundabout to link up hundreds of homes to one of Preston’s busiest roads is to start from Monday (9 July).

Roadworks are to take place in Lightfoot Lane, close to Tom Benson Way, in Fulwood.

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The stretch of Lightfoot Lane, where Walker Lane joins it and close to Preston Grasshoppers is to be widened and see the new roundabout inserted.

Lancashire County Council, who are carrying out the work, say it is the first step in the East-West Link Road.

This new road will link Fulwood to the Preston Western Distributor which will connect the M55 to the Docks.

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Work on Lightfoot Lane is expected to take six months to complete.

Cabinet member for highways and transport county councillor Keith Iddon said: “This new roundabout and section of road is an important step forward in the process of creating this new link road, which will benefit a growing area of the city.

“We’ll do what we can to minimise the inconvenience during construction, and ask people to bear with us.

“These roads will provide a major new link for people on the western side of the city, connecting the M55 towards Blackpool Road and Riversway.

“As well as supporting new housing and business development in the area, they will help to relieve some of the traffic pressures near Broughton, around junction one of the M55, and help to reduce congestion in the centre of Preston by providing people with alternative routes.

“There will also be opportunities for new bus priority measures, improvements to local public areas and initiatives to encourage walking and cycling.”

Tom Benson Way where it meets with Lightfoot Lane has already been blocked off as part of this scheme and will be permanently closed off as part of the roundabout work.

Thousands of new homes are being built in Fulwood and Cottam as part of Preston City Council’s North West Masterplan.

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Cabinet member for planning and regulation councillor Peter Moss said: “We believe this road is a key development for the area and an important next step to support residents and businesses, providing better connections and smoother traffic-flow.

“We are proud to be working closely with Lancashire County Council and South Ribble Borough Council, as part of City Deal, to continue investing in Preston and its surrounding areas.”

Funding for the road comes from the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal which is a £430million investment in infrastructure and housing across the city.

Do you use Lightfoot Lane and Tom Benson Way? Let us know your views in the comments below