Councillors back bold plans to upgrade transport across Lancashire
Councillors have backed bold plans to upgrade transport across Lancashire, making it easier to get around, boosting access to jobs, and driving local growth.
At the most recent Cabinet meeting on Thursday, September 4, councillors discussed details of a number of transport related capital grants totalling £32,263,755 from the Department of Transport and Active Travel England for 2025/26.
In addition to this, funding from central government has been confirmed for the Levelling Up East Lancashire programme. This will see a range of transport improvements delivered across Pendle, Rossendale, Burnley and Hyndburn.
This funding has been awarded to the county council after submitting a detailed business case to the government. A total of £49.6million has been confirmed from the government, with an additional £5m from Lancashire County Council.
County Councillor Brian Moore, cabinet member for economic development and growth at Lancashire County Council said:
“We remain firmly committed to improving transport and infrastructure across the county.
"Through strategic investment, targeted funding, and collaborative planning, we’re working to create safer roads, better connectivity, and more sustainable travel options that meet the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
"We’re pleased that people in East Lancashire will directly benefit from this funding coming into the county.
“These improvements are designed to deliver long-term benefits for local people. Through this project, we want to increase people’s civic pride in their local area, as well as making these nicer places to live, work and visit.”
Now that the Levelling Up funding has been confirmed, work can start on preparing the contractors to start on site around late October, with these projects set to be completed by around November 2026. More information will be provided to residents and businesses nearer the time, ahead of work starting in their local areas.
The county council is working with Pendle Borough Council to make Nelson more accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and all traffic. The Accessible Nelson project will improve traffic flow into and through the town and introduce better walking and cycling opportunities to make it greener and more attractive for everyone.