Having a full dual carriageway the length of the A582 has seen a funding bid tabled.
Lancashire County Council wants to turn the road into a four-lane carriageway from Preston city centre to Cuerden.
Proposals for the dual carriageway were first mooted in 2014.
It includes making a section of the B5253 from Farington tip to Longmeanygate a dual carriageway too.
Transport for the North have included the South Ribble road widening scheme in its £700million bid for the National Roads Fund.
Cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning county councillor Michael Green said: “We’re pleased that TfN has recognised the strength and quality of our proposals for the widening of the A582, and has chosen to put it forward for government consideration.
“The A582 in South Ribble is one of central Lancashire’s busiest roads and the aim is to increase the road capacity by upgrading it to a dual carriageway along its full length between Preston city centre and Cuerden, including the B5253 south of Farington Household Waste Recycling Centre to Longmeanygate.
“The widening work will add capacity, improve access to new housing areas and local communities, and open up new opportunities for business. This will benefit people in South Ribble, Preston and further afield, helping to grow our economy.
“We’re always keen to make the most of opportunities to bring additional funding to Lancashire, so that we can make schemes happen.”
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