Blackpool kicks off £17m roadworks programme

Optimising road layouts, improving traffic signal junctions, and upgrading pedestrian accessibility are the core components of the Town Centre Access Scheme, which began this week.

The £17m TCAS is supported, in part, through £15.3m from government and will be delivered in phases. It has a target completion of autumn 2028 and was designed with the support of Pell Frischmann.

The first phase centres around the junction of Grosvenor Road and Caunce Street, where main contractor George Cox & Sons will widen the road to bring in two-way traffic. This portion of road will also have its traffic signals upgraded.

Deansgate and Cookson Street will be the focus of the second phase of TCAS. Work on that segment of road will comprise remodelling the junction to add a right turn from Cookson Street onto Deansgate, adding pedestrian crossings, and upgrading cycling facilities. There will also be parking bays brought into Cookson Street for drop-offs and pick-ups.

Future elements of the programme will see George Street closed to cars between Grosvenor Street and Cookson Street, part of the public realm proposals for Blackpool and The Fylde College’s £65m Multiversity.

Cllr Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for community safety, street scene, and neighbourhoods, described TCAS as “an important investment into our town’s future”.

She added: “The town has already seen significant regeneration, with more to come, and it’s essential that our highways network is upgraded to support the towns continued development.

“While there will inevitably be some disruption, this investment will deliver real benefits for residents, local businesses and future growth in the town.”

Simon Lightwood, roads and buses minister, emphasised the government’s belief in Blackpool’s future.

“Blackpool is a town with real ambition, and this £15.3m government investment in its road network is a clear sign of this government’s commitment to supporting that growth,” he said.

“By improving access to the town centre, we are making it easier for residents, businesses and visitors to get where they need to go. This is what investing in local infrastructure looks like in practice – backing communities and helping them thrive.”