Updated A582 proposals on the agenda

New plans to improve journeys on the A582 in South Ribble and provide better provisions for buses, walking and cycling are on the agenda.

The aim is to reduce congestion along the A582 Major Roads Network route between the M65 and Preston to support economic growth, provide better access to existing employment sites and support the delivery of new homes.

These plans would support all road users and seek to reduce transport related carbon emissions and improve air quality by helping with the provision of bus network improvements, and enhanced walking and cycling facilities along Leyland Road and Fishergate Hill to encourage more sustainable travel choices for local trips.

It's also proposed to include the use of new and advanced technology to manage traffic, prioritise buses and use real time information. 

The opportunity to deliver the scheme would involve a funding bid to the Government's Major Road Network (MRN) funding programme.

At the county council's Cabinet on Thursday (7 March), the cabinet members agreed to a bid for funding to the government's Major Roads Network programme towards the cost of delivering these plans.

The public will be invited to comment on plans showing more detail of the proposals later this year, as part of the design process.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott, Cabinet member for economic development and growth, said: "The proposed improvements will help to increase road capacity along the existing network for car users, and provide people with the opportunity to use sustainable and active travel choices. Improvements to the A582 have been on the agenda since the 2013 Central Lancashire Highways and Transport Masterplan.

"The creation of a dual carriageway along the A582 is still an aspiration. These latest proposals will help by providing additional capacity along the road, while still working towards dualling in the future.

"Local people will have the opportunity to give their views on the plans later in the year once we have developed them in more detail."

The focused scheme would involve the reconfiguration of several major junctions and technology upgrades along the route of the A582 MRN to reduce congestion, as well as complementary improvements on the bus and active travel route between Preston and Lostock Hall supporting sustainable travel choices and local trips.

The A582 scheme had previously proposed the creation of a dual carriageway along the A582. These revised proposals reflect changes in travel habits, including post-Covid flexible working arrangements, since the original scheme was set out and the publication of the Government's Transport Decarbonisation Plan in 2021.

The A582 is a key route across South Ribble, running between the M65 junction at Cuerden to the 'Tank' Roundabout at Farington next to the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Farington, then continuing towards Penwortham and onto Preston.