Costain lands £100m Lancashire highways project

The infrastructure programme includes creating a new layout for Junction 33 of the M6, a link road and access to the future Bailrigg Garden Village.

“This project will support economic growth in the region by providing an accessible, sustainable, and integrated road network,” said Costain local authority director Ian Richardson.

“Collaborating with the county council on this scheme provides an opportunity to introduce specialist expertise to develop ground-breaking, zero-carbon solutions that improve the lives of the people who live and work in south Lancaster.”

The highways infrastructure programme is still in the early stages, with Costain also being charged with crafting a detailed design for the project and facilitating stakeholder engagement in addition to the actual construction work.

The infrastructure works are part of the South Lancaster Growth Catalyst project, which also includes a new park and ride facility, the creation of bus priority routes and car-free areas in Lancaster and building a cycle superhighway that links Lancaster city centre with Lancaster University, the school’s Health Innovation Campus, and Bailrigg Garden Village.

Costain previously worked with Lancashire County Council on the Bay Gateway project, which linked the M6’s Junction 34 with the Morecambe and Heysham peninsula. Bay Gateway opened in 2016.

Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for economic development and growth, Cllr Aidy Riggott, praised Costain’s expertise.

“By bringing in Costain, we will be utilising their extensive experience on other schemes to develop this exciting programme of transport improvement work,” he said.

“Our bold plans will help people to get around more easily, reduce congestion and unlocking sites for new homes for workers and their families in this growing city.”