Penwortham bypass secures approval
Lancashire County Council’s development control committee has granted consent for the £17.5m scheme, which will link the A59 Liverpool Road to the A582 at Brown Hare Roundabout, reducing congestion in the centre of Penwortham.
Following completion of the bypass, the town centre will be subjected to a public realm improvement programme, with consultation due on plans regarding cycling, walking and public transport facilities.
School playing fields at All Hallows Catholic High School will be relocated and improved as part of the bypass work, providing them with improved drainage and better access from the school. Construction of the road is estimated to take around 20 months, with a significant percentage of the work taking place off the existing highway network.
The project is one of several major road schemes being funded through the £434m Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, which is an agreement between Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and Preston City Council, South Ribble Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, along with central government and the Homes & Communities Agency.
Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport at Lancashire County Council, said: “The Penwortham Bypass had been discussed for many years, so this is a significant step forward in delivering this new road.
“We’re pleased that once again City Deal is able to unlock the potential of the area and help people to get around. We’re keen to get started on this important project, which could begin in the coming months.
“The bypass is a key City Deal project, along with the Broughton Bypass which is nearing completion and scheduled to open in October.”
Cllr Peter Mullineaux, leader of South Ribble Borough Council, added: “This is great news for the people of Penwortham, as well as those from the surrounding area. Although the construction phase will mean some disruption, it’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind.”
I do hope this doesn’t ruin the experience at the Brown Hare Beer garden. It is a pleasant spot and busy as it is.
By Mary Smiley
That’s a fair comment given the beer garden has already been reduced by the road widening – that said it is already impacted by the the main road, I can’t see the bypass will make it worse.The beneficial impact on Liverpool Road – which has an improving recreational offer – will be countered by the proposed Tesco.
By Brian