Light at the end of tunnel for frustrated motorists

Lancashire County Council has announced that temporary traffic lights on Eastway and Longfield will switch to off-peak hours from this weekend. It means disruption around the Storey Homes development and new roundabout will be limited to 9.30am to 3.30pm.

County Councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This should greatly benefit road users over this stretch of the network.

“We cannot at this stage say exactly when this will happen, depending on how work progresses this week on-site, but we’re aiming to do this as soon as we possibly can.

“We recognise that this work has affected journeys at peak times, and we are keen to get the road re-opened as soon as possible.”

Commuters have been affected for months by delays caused by a number of roadworks in Preston due to house building and construction of the Broughton Bypass. Concens have also been raised that increasing pressure is being put on ‘rat runs’ as people look for alternative routes.

One man said a journey from Fulwood to Longridge which normally takes 15 mins, took 90 minutes last week.

He said: “It beggars belief at the continuing lack of coordination of traffic works around Preston. We’ve had had to put up with what seems to be endless road works with lights causing no end of tailbacks for years around Fulwood and surrounds.”

Coun Fillis said: “As part of City Deal, we’re working hard to provide the right conditions for economic growth, create new jobs and improve the road network for businesses and local people.

“This short term disruption will provide long term benefits, and we ask people to be bear with us while this work is being carried out.”