'We welcome A582 changes, but want these four things things' - South Ribble council sets out road expectations

Last year, Lancashire County Council revealed a plan to improve traffic flow on the A582 around Lostock Hall and Farington, by redesigning a series of key junctions.

One of the key proposals is rip up the twin roundabouts where the A582 meets Croston Road and Centurion Way - to be replaced with a trio of signal-operated T-junctions, with combined cycle track, the installation of six Toucan crossings and rerouting of Centurion Way.

South Ribble Borough Council (SRBC) has been asked for its input, and acknowledged that “improvements to the junction were needed and welcomed in order to enhance safety and ease congestion”, but raised a number of concerns and recommendations.

What did SRBC say?

South Ribble Borough Council has requested that LCC address the following issues prior to making a decision on the application:

1. Ensure that the development would not prejudice any neighbouring residential dwellings or landowners inappropriately as a result of upgraded roadway or during construction works;

2. Ensure that the submitted application will not prejudice the development of the other parcels of adjacent landowners and occupiers.

3. The proposed acoustic fencing should be extended to existing residential properties as requested by the Council’s Environmental Health Officer.

4. Assurances that LCC Highways, PROW officers, the Environment Agency, LLFA and United Utilities are supportive of the scheme as proposed before the application proceeds to determination.

Remarks

It is also noted that the SRBC planning committee did also question the extent of beneficial impact the works would have, given the significant costs, expressed concerns for residents of Croston Road traveling in the North to South direction, noted the importance of appropriate traffic light sequencing to achieve easing of congestion, and highlighted the additional traffic movements associated with the new cricket facility in Farington.

The wider plans

As well as the twin roundabout redevelopment, plans also involve replacing the roundabout at the junction of Lostock Lane, Farington Road, Stanifield Lane and Watkin Lane – which is already controlled by traffic lights – and replacing it with a crossroads layout, but still led by signals.

Proposals also involve a raft of traffic-calming measures along Leyland Road and Watkin Lane, designed to discourage rat-running and promote cycling and walking. The roundabout at the northern end of Leyland Road will also be reconfigured.

The estimated cost of the overall scheme stood at £70.7m at the time of the consultation in 2024– and Lancashire County Council had already earmarked £19m in ‘match funding’. When coupled with the money now on the table from the government, that means just under £77m is available to deliver the project.

However, the Lancashire Post understands a revised cost estimate is now being calculated, which could yet see the final bill exceed that amount.