Work to start on £14.7m transformation of road network in this Lancashire town

Lancashire County Council is now asking people to allow extra time for their journeys in the Friargate and Ringway areas of Preston as they carry out work to help bring forward the Transforming Friargate North and Ringway scheme.

As part of the successful Transforming Cities Fund bid, Lancashire County Council has been awarded £14.7m to regenerate the Friargate North and Ringway area in line with other modern cities.

The county council will be carrying out investigatory trenches in the carriageway and footway in advance of the Transforming Friargate North and Ringway works in the centre of Preston.

There will be traffic management measures in place on Friargate and on Ringway, including footway diversions and lane closures.

These works will be carried out on weekdays throughout August and early September.

The information gained from these investigations about the existing construction of the carriageway and footway, as well as what services are present, will help the county council finalise the designs for the new public realm areas.

County Councillor Charles Edwards, cabinet member for highways and transport said: "We appreciate people’s patience and apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst we carry out these investigation works which will help us bring this exciting new scheme to Preston.

“Transforming Friargate North and Ringway will reconnect Preston city centre for a better leisure and shopping experience and encourage sustainable travel.

“We will be carrying out a range of improvements in and around the city to promote public transport, walking and cycling, enabling more people to leave the car at home."

Public engagement was carried out in March this year and the feedback is being used to help inform the design of the scheme.

The final designs will be available in September 2021.

The construction of the scheme is scheduled to be completed by Spring 2023.