A road in Lea is to be shut permanently as part of work to create the Preston Western Distributor.

The new road is to join the M55 at a new motorway junction to the A583 at the Docks.

Lancashire County Council is now pushing ahead with closing a section of Darkinson Lane in Lea Town to vehicles.

From Monday 27 April from 7am work begins on the new Darkinson Lane Underpass.

Read more: Work officially begins on the Preston Western Distributor

This means Darkinson Lane will no longer be used as a through route and a diversion will go via Lea Lane.

The map below shows the section of the road to be closed and the diversion routes

Pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists will be able to continue to use Darkinson Lane but will have to follow a short diversion.

Cabinet member for highways and transport county councillor Keith Iddon said: “The diversions that are in place are for the safety of everyone whilst this important construction work progresses.

“Both diversions for vehicles and diversions for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders are short and will be signed. We ask that members of the public adhere to these routes at all times.”

Work on the underpass is due to be completed by autumn 2021.

Read more: Watch the route the Preston Western Distributor is due to take

Darkinson Lane will then not reopen to vehicles, but can be used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders for the new underpass.

The Preston Western Distributor is costing £200million and is part of the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal – a multi-million pound project to build new homes and roads in the city and surrounding area.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

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