Central Lancashire transport network to receive £275m
A £275m investment to improve the transport network in central Lancashire has been set out by the county council.
The plans, affecting Preston, Chorley and South Ribble, include a new road linking Clifton and the M55 and the completion of the Penwortham bypass.
The council said the investment will ease road congestion and make it easier to get on to buses, cycle and walk.
Councillor Tim Ashton said improvements are planned for areas that will attract more housing and business developments.
"Businesses will only choose to invest in Lancashire if they know their employees and goods can travel efficiently," he said.
"There is huge potential for economic growth in the central Lancashire area and it is essential that people and goods can move around efficiently if we're to make those jobs for local people a reality.
"To create the conditions for this to happen, and to make sure our transport network can cope with the extra demand, we need to look ahead now and begin to put together the case for the changes needed to support it."
Other proposed improvements include priority lanes into Preston for public transport, cyclists and walkers, and a new railway station at Cottam.
A six-week consultation will start in January on the plan which would transform the transport infrastructure over the next 13 years.