Decision details

Approval is sought to adopt and protect the route for the proposed road widening improvement works along the A582 South Ribble Western Distributor shown at Appendix 'A'.

Route adoption and protection is identified as an early activity under the Infrastructure Delivery Plan to the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal.  Once the route is approved, the County Council will be in a position to progress a planning application and start land assembly procedures.

A six-week public consultation exercise was held on the proposed upgrading of the A582 to a dual carriageway along its full length between Cuerden and Preston city centre and the B5253 south to Longmeanygate. These improvement works have already been identified in the published Central Lancashire Highways and Transport Masterplan and a line thought to be the best line considering the highway engineering, physical and environmental constraints surrounding the existing roads has been identified.

The consultation received 406 responses. A Consultation Report, presented at Appendix 'B', compiles and summarises the comments received and responds to these. None of the issues identified through the consultation impede the progression of the route at this stage.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order No 25 have been complied with.

The Committee considered a report on the proposed adoption of the Route for the A582 Road Widening Improvement Works.

Concerns were expressed about the improvements works adding to congestion problems which already existed in the vicinity of the Longmeanygate roundabout.  The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport agreed to look at options to mitigate this risk.  The need for a full length shared use path along the A582 was also drawn to the attention of the Cabinet Member.

Resolved:  That the recommendations set out in the report to the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport and the Cabinet Member for Environment, Planning and Cultural Services be noted, and that no suggested alternative recommendations be made.