News: Bypass Boost For Ormskirk

Wednesday, 17th November 2004
(PR 1855)

THE proposed Ormskirk Bypass has moved a step closer to reality with the news that further appraisal work will be undertaken into the most appropriate design for the scheme.

The road would provide relief for Ormskirk town centre from the current high traffic flows on the A570 and the West Lancashire area.

The bypass would start at a new roundabout junction on the A570 at Hurlston Lane and pass the north side of Ormskirk before rejoining the A570 adjacent to junction three of the M58.

The new single carriageway would be just over 8km in length and it is hoped that construction will begin in 2010.

Councillor Jean Yates, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said:

"I am excited by the project and I hope that we can get down to work as soon as possible.

"The Ormskirk Bypass will be of important benefit to the people of West Lancashire and work cannot get going soon enough.

"It has been a long-awaited project and I am happy that we can finally press on with the scheme."

Lancashire County Council will conduct an environmental assessment of the effects of the scheme early next year to see what impact the bypass will have on the local area and should be completed in 15 months.

Traffic surveys, including interviews with motorists, have already been carried out, with traffic monitoring counters soon to be installed in the roads. A detailed traffic model forecasting traffic flow will also be developed.

The Highways Agency originally proposed the scheme in the early 1990s. Various routes were considered at that time and the present route was subsequently confirmed as the preferred route in 1996.

Notes for Editors

The second Local Transport Plan will run between 2006 and 2011.

For media information contact Gary Hennighan on 01772-533521.