WYG on board for Chorley transport strategy

Chorley Council has appointed the consultant to draw up a rethink of the borough’s highways and transport strategy, including a review of links between the M6, M61 and M65.

WYG’s brief is to address challenges around the region’s congestion, travel choice, and sustainability. The impact of the upcoming Central Lancashire Local Plan, set to create a large number of new homes and employment land opportunities across the region, will also be considered.

Among the options to be explored are future schemes which could provide additional capacity and connectivity in the borough’s transport network.

These include investigating the links between the M6, M61, and M65, along with local road networks, and the five train stations in the borough. These are Chorley, Euxton Balshaw Lane, Buckshaw Parkway, Adlington, and Croston.

WYG and the council said the strategy would look to “alleviate congestion” and promote sustainable travel in hotspots around the borough.

Leader of Chorley Council Cllr Alistair Bradley said: “We are delighted to have WYG onboard and are keen to work with them in identifying what transport interventions are required across the district in the next 10 to 15 years. This commission will provide us with valuable insight and evidence to inform future decisions to secure investment in further local transport improvements to facilitate this growth.”

Ben King, associate and project manager at WYG, added: “Growth and development have the potential to affect the transport network, so we look forward to working with the council to mitigate that impact by drawing out key issues and opportunities for the district between now and the Local Plan coming to an end in 2036. We have a strong track record in working with local authorities to help them understand these complexities.”