5.1 Heysham to M6 Link

Access to a Major Port Supported by RSS and RES

Access to the Morecambe and Heysham peninsula is severely constrained by the existing crossings over the River Lune. All journeys from the south and east have to travel into the City of Lancaster to use the gyratory system which takes in the two bridges over the river. The Morecambe and Heysham peninsula includes a major port and a tourist resort that has a resident population of 70,000. The existing highway links are extremely congested; survey results from 2002 recorded an average speed of 9 miles per hour on this route in the morning peak.

An Environmental Assessment has been completed on possible routes for the Heysham to M6 Link and it has made an important contribution to the choice of the Northern Route as preferred route. As an environmentally friendly measure, surface water from the road will be filtered through a series of sustainable drainage systems. A cycle path will run throughout the length of the bypass, adding a new link to the local network between the Morecambe Cycleway and the Lune Millennium Cycleway. On completion of the earthworks, the corridor for the road will be fully landscaped.

This is the County Council's first priority major scheme. A Major Scheme Business Case was submitted in July 2005. A Planning application was made in December 2005.

The Area and the Problems

The historic City of Lancaster lies on the east bank of the River Lune and the towns of Morecambe and Heysham lie to the west of the river on a peninsula. The main areas of congestion are in the city centre, where there is a one-way gyratory system, and on the two bridges over the River Lune to the north. Traffic travelling between the M6 motorway and the peninsula must travel through the city centre gyratory system and over the bridges. Vehicles travelling between Heysham or Morecambe and Lancaster must also cross the bridges. The resulting congestion continues for most of the day and produces high levels of air pollution and noise.

Traffic congestion restricts the economic regeneration of the peninsula area, both in terms of industry and tourism, and reduces the potential for growth for the Port of Heysham.

Scheme Objective

To improve communications between Morecambe and Heysham and the M6 Motorway. The scheme will remove a significant volume of traffic from the River Lune bridges, and create opportunities to enhance provision for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.

Solutions

The opening of Phase 1 of the Heysham to M6 Link in July 1994 removed a substantial volume of traffic from residential areas in Morecambe and Heysham. Most of this traffic must still, however, negotiate the river crossings in order to reach the motorway.

Lancashire County Council will continue to develop and provide a sustainable transport package which includes;

• development of Quality Bus corridors
• a Park & Ride study
• new cycling and walking routes
• Safer Routes to School programmes to reduce car dependency
• Intelligent Transport Systems including car park guidance, Variable Message Signs and improved traffic signal control
• Travel Plans and Car Clubs
• a Parking Strategy

However, it is recognised that as part of the overall strategy, the development of a new link road is required to improve the strategic access to Morecambe and Heysham and its port.

Highway Options

In 1962 a northern route was proposed, but in 1985 a western route was identified and both routes were taken to Public Consultation in 1993, 1997 and again in 2001. There was overwhelming support for the completion of a route, with approximately equal public support for each route. The County Council favoured the Western Route. However, the report on the Examination in Public of the 1991-2006 Lancashire Structure Plan, the Inspector's report on the Lancaster Local Plan Inquiry 1998/9 and the Government's response to the 2001/2-2005/6 LTP, were all critical of the Western Route due to its potential visual and environmental impacts.

Following these comments, detailed environmental impact studies on both routes were undertaken and legal advice from leading counsel was obtained. On the advice that the Western Route was unbuildable due to impacts on European Protected Areas and Species, the County Council chose the Northern Route as the preferred option in September 2004.

Preferred Option (Northern Route)

The preferred option connects the eastern end of Phase 1 of the link road to a fully remodelled Junction 34 on the M6 Motorway. The route is a 4.8km long, dual two-lane carriageway, all-purpose road with intermediate junctions and a combined footway/cycleway along its full length. The estimated cost is £87.7m.

Value for Money

The route has a Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 7.4 with additional regeneration benefits of £162m. However, due to the successful regeneration aspects of the scheme, there are disbenefits of £0.4m for the opening year for CO2 emissions, £0.14m for NOx and £0.48m for PM10. Overall, the BCR remains very high.

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