Work to start in January on Broughton by-pass

But it has another hurdle to cross this week on its route from drawing board to construction.

The Transport for Lancashire Committee meets tomorrow to consider an independent review of the project.

The new 1.9km route is intended to cut congestion at a notorious traffic jam hotspot - the Broughton crossroads on the A6, three miles north of Preston.

It gained government approval in July following a public inquiry into objections to local compulsory purchase orders on the proposed route. Now committee members will be asked to give their formal approval to the project. The next stop will then be the Lancashire Enterprise Board (LEP) on October 6 when the scheme will be up for final approval and funding towards its cost through the Local Growth Deal.

Independent consultant firm Atkins says it is satisifed that the project has been developed to the “expected standard” in most areas.

It is anticipated a contract for construction work will be awarded in December, with work starting on site in January and continuing for a year.

Meanwhile the public have until October 5 to comment on the “business case” for the by-pass on the LEP website.

The business case is a requirement of accessing Deal funding and approval.

The new road is also expected to bring a boost to other road users. Lancashire County Council, which has designed the by-pass, has pledged to invest £0.5m to improve roads, public areas and walking and cycling facilities nearby.

It is expected some £6.7m will go towards the scheme from the Local Growth Fund, with another £8.8m from the County Council and others.