With the new road – which is named after Edith Rigby in honour of Preston’s most famous suffragette who dedicated most of her life to fighting for women's rights – having opened to drivers on July 3, take a look back at the road’s inception in 1975...
Also, be sure not to miss… 11 picture memories of the M55 motorway between Blackpool and Preston as the new junction and A583 link road gets ready for opening
9. The opening of the M55
The Jaguar aircraft on the M55 in April 1975 Photo: National World
10. The opening of the M55
Children from Broughton School wave to the minister on the start of his tour of the motorway by coach at the M55 opening ceremony in 1975 Photo: submit
12. The opening of the M55
Yeadon Way, Blackpool looking west from the M55 roundabout. The road follows the old railway line to the site of Central Station and is named after Lancashire County Council surveyor Harry Yeadon, it was opened on the 3rd January 1986. Photo: National World