Major A582 scheme takes another step forward after cabinet approval
Work to support a major scheme aimed at improving journeys on the A582 and the surrounding road network could begin later this year after Lancashire County Council's cabinet approved funding for a package of enabling works.
At its meeting last week, cabinet approved the use of up to £7m from the council's previously approved £19m local contribution towards the scheme to start a package of enabling works ahead of a final business case being submitted to the Department for Transport. Members also authorised the release of the remaining previously approved funding, if required, to support ongoing scheme development activity.
The A582 and related highways improvement scheme aims to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on a key routes linking Preston, South Ribble and the M6 and M65 motorways. The scheme will support new homes, jobs and business investment, including the Lancashire Central employment site development. It will also improve walking, wheeling and cycling options, provide enhancements for public transport, support better air quality.
The enabling works would include moving utilities and providing advanced drainage infrastructure improvements adjacent to the A6 at its junction with Lostock Lane and at the end the M65.
Enabling works would also include traffic calming road safety improvements on local corridors connecting to the A582. Undertaken in advance, the works on Pope Lane, Coote Lane, Croston Road and parts of Leyland Road in Middleforth would limit the impact on residents during main A582 works by reducing rat-running, creating safer and healthier environments for residents.
Further engagement with local residents is planned before these works commence.
Starting some work ahead of the main scheme would help reduce future construction risks, minimise disruption for road users and local communities, and support an accelerated delivery of the wider project.
County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:
"Anyone who regularly uses the A582 knows how important it is and the impact congestion can have on people's journeys.
"These proposals would allow us to start some important enabling work sooner, helping to reduce disruption when the main works begin and keep the project on track.
"The A582 improvements will make journeys more reliable on this busy route, while also playing a key role in providing the transport infrastructure needed for future growth."
County Councillor Brian Moore, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, said:
"Lancashire Central represents one of the most significant development opportunities not only in Central Lancashire, but across the county as a whole.
"The site has the potential to create thousands of new jobs and generate hundreds of millions of pounds in economic benefit for Lancashire, attracting businesses, investment and long-term growth to the area.
"The A582 improvements are a vital part of unlocking that potential, providing the transport infrastructure needed to support economic growth, connect people to future employment opportunities and help deliver our ambitions for Lancashire's economy."
The council secured approval of the scheme's Outline Business Case from the Department for Transport in 2025 and is currently preparing a Full Business Case for submission in 2027.