Preston Western Distributor open as first vehicles drive down

A very wet group of dignitaries for the official opening of Edith Rigby Way Pic: Lancashire County Council

The first vehicles have now used the new Preston Western Distributor – known as Edith Rigby Way – as it was declared open.

Four years in the making the road linking the M55 to Preston Docks is now finished and has cost £207million.

Lancashire County Council organised a ribbon-cutting for 11am on Monday (2 July) and dignitaries from across Preston and Lancashire attended.

In true Preston fashion the rain appeared and meant the first drivers down the new road had soaking tarmac to contend with.

WATCH: the first vehicles head down #EdithRigbyWay as part of the official opening this morning.

To find out more about the road visit: https://t.co/ebngU0yIJC. pic.twitter.com/Mtb305Oi7B
— Lancashire County Council (@LancashireCC) July 3, 2023

Two new link roads have also been completed connecting the new Edith Rigby Way with an East-West Link Road to connect up with Cottam and Fulwood, and a second link road for new estates in Cottam.

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “This opening marks a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and access to public transport infrastructure in Lancashire.

“The new road will help to reduce congestion in certain parts of Preston, reduce travel times, open up access to sites for new homes, and unlock opportunities for economic growth and development.

“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this project, especially during the pandemic. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on Preston and other parts of Lancashire.”

The first vehicles on the new Preston Western Distributor Pic: Lancashire County Council

Councillor David Borrow, Preston City Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation, said: “The main new road is named after Edith Rigby in honour of Preston’s most famous suffragette, who dedicated most of her life to fighting for women’s rights, particularly those of working-class women. Improving the life of our residents remains at the heart of everything we do and this project has already benefited local businesses, provide local job opportunities and student placements, and bolstered the local economy.

“Providing better access to new and existing housing developments in North West Preston and Cottam, the new road will improve air quality and the traffic flow in the area for our residents.”