Bypass job awarded to Hochtief

Lancashire County Council has named Hochtief (UK) Construction as the contractor to build the £23.7m new Broughton Bypass. Work is scheduled to start at the end of 2015 and be completed in spring 2017.

Congestion has been an issue in Broughton village for the last 40 years and traffic has continued to grow with more than 22,000 vehicles now passing through on the A6 every day.

It is hoped that the new road, travelling from the roundabout at Junction 1 of the M55 to the A6 north of the village, will reduce traffic through the centre of Broughton on Garstang Road by up to 90%.

Cllr Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “This is an important step in the construction of this bypass that will help to improve travel times along the A6, while cutting congestion and pollution in the centre of Broughton.

“The plans are now moving at pace, with the road scheduled to open in spring 2017. The county council is currently working with the contractor to develop a detailed schedule for the work, which will be shared with the local community and other people who use of this crucial stretch of the transport network.”

Hochtief’s experience of road building includes the Forth Road Bridge Replacement Queensferry Crossing, Bexhill to Hastings Link Road, East Kent Access Road and Shinfield Eastern Relief Road near Reading.

The planning permission includes £1m earmarked to fund improvements in the village and locally along the A6 corridor and Guild Wheel that will make it a safer and more attractive environment for road users, cyclists and pedestrians.

Cllr Peter Rankin, leader of Preston City Council, said: “This is a vital step forward for Preston. We’re talking huge investment in local infrastructure that will improve travel times as well as overall air quality.

“Yet, this is just the beginning as the Broughton Bypass will also help to unlock investment in new homes, communities and businesses. Creating jobs, bringing wealth and improving overall quality of life. That’s what the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal is all about. Unlocking the area’s true potential and building a lasting legacy for future generations.”

The building of the road will also support the new housing development at Whittingham Hospital, where approval has been given for 650 homes by Taylor Wimpey.

The bypass is funded by the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, an agreement between the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and Preston City Council, South Ribble Council and Lancashire County Council, along with central government and the Homes & Communities Agency.

Broughton Bypass also secured funding from the LEP’s Growth Deal.