5.4 Other Potential Major Schemes

5.4.1 Ormskirk Bypass

This scheme is entirely within Lancashire but has major cross-border benefits to neighbouring Sefton MBC which supports the scheme.  Access to the regionally important coastal resort of Southport are constrained by the congestion where the A570 trunk road  passes through the centre of the market town of Ormskirk. Locally this creates environmental and safety problems for the people of Ormskirk. Hospital services for Southport and Ormskirk are shared between hospitals in the two towns and there is strong support from the Southport and Ormskirk Hospital Trust as they suffer from difficulties in access to the hospitals. This proposal is the County Council's second priority major highway scheme. Contracts for the full environmental assessment and traffic modelling work have been let with a view to making a planning application for this scheme. It is proposed to continue with this work whilst further detail of the Regional Funding Allocation is obtained and the position of the scheme fully considered.

5.4.2 A56 Village Bypasses

This is a cross-border scheme linking with proposals of North Yorkshire County Council. The A56 Village Bypasses will deal with problems of congestion, safety and environmental issues at the eastern end of the M65 motorway. It will improve a vital link with North Yorkshire and contribute to connectivity with the Leeds City Region. The scheme is closely linked to regeneration proposals for East Lancashire through the ELEVATE Housing Renewal Programme and the Northern Way. The position of this scheme will be reviewed in the light of the Regional Funding Allocation (RFA) process and Regional Priorities in the Regional Spatial Strategy. There is strong local support for the reopening of the Colne to Skipton Railway line which would utilise the same corridor as the highway proposal. The County Council supports the rail reopening in principle but is mindful of the potential cost implications of seeking to deliver the two modes in close proximity. Further investigation will be necessary to determine the optimum proposals for this corridor.

5.4.3 A59 Penwortham Bypass

The completion of the Penwortham Bypass will reduce delay, improve safety and deliver environmental improvements on the A59 through a busy residential and commercial area. Development of this major scheme will continue through this LTP period. Works to improve safety have already been undertaken as part of the de-trunking process. The position of this scheme will be reviewed in the light of the Regional Funding Allocation (RFA) process and Regional Priorities in the Regional Spatial Strategy.

5.4.4 Preston Access Improvements

Major development proposals for Preston may bring the opportunity to implement major changes to the transport network of the city. A study is underway and the outcome may make the case for major scheme level investment or suggest a number of smaller schemes.

5.4.5 Fylde Coast Sub-Regional Study

The Fylde Coast Sub Regional Study is being undertaken in partnership with the NWRA, Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Borough Councils and the Highways Agency. This study has examined the transport issues of the Fylde Coast north of the M55. The severe congestion on the A585 trunk road between the M55 and Fleetwood will require investment to achieve a solution that will support the regeneration of the Wyre peninsula and the delivery of the Blackpool Masterplan. It is proposed to move to a public consultation on the proposals emerging from the Fylde Coast Sub-Regional study for longer term improvements to the A585 corridor. In the short term the Highways Agency Route Management Strategy for the A585 has identified a number of measures to ease congestion and these should be implemented as a matter of urgency.

5.4.6 Development Funded Schemes

There are a number of locations in the County where development will require substantial improvements to transport infrastructure and the County Council will seek to ensure that developers make appropriate financial contributions. Schemes constructed during this LTP period are expected to include the Broughton Bypass in Preston and the  Eaves Green Link in Chorley. The Hey Houses Link in Fylde has no identified funding stream to implement the whole scheme at present but will be kept under review as development opportunities may emerge in this area through the housing allocations in the draft Regional Spatial Strategy.

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