Completion of the Heysham to M6 Link

Update January 2010

Steve McCreesh, project manager for the M6 Heysham Link at Lancashire County Council, said: "The objection period for the Compulsory Purchase Orders closed before Christmas and we have now received copies of the objections and letters of support from Government Office North East.

"In total there are 18 statutory objections (there were 19 but one has been withdrawn already), 14 letters of support and 463 non-statutory objections. Hundreds of these non-statutory objections are standard letters signed by the householder and are based on incorrect information.

"Statutory objectors are those directly affected by the scheme, and for a scheme of this size there are very few. They can be summarised as follows:

• Four statutory undertakers who the council has been in discussions with for some time and expect to reach agreement with prior to the Inquiry.
• Four businesses that are affected by varying degrees.
• Three people who rent land for pony paddocks.
• Four residents (two from the same property).
• Morecambe Town Council, Lancaster and Morecambe College and Torrisholme Cricket and Social Club.

"As expected, the Secretary of State has decided to hold a Public Inquiry and this is likely to be held in the Lancaster area in June.

"The Link road scheme includes a Park and Ride at Junction 34 with buses every eight minutes into the city centre. Many other public transport and alternatives to car usage have been and will continue to be provided by the County Council."

Update December 2009

The construction of the Heysham to M6 Link road has moved a step closer.

Lancashire County Council has now invited contractors to bid for the opportunity to construct this vital road. And, in the current economic climate, it is expected that the firms will be very keen to win. Seven firms have been invited to tender on a quality and price basis.

Project Manager for the scheme, Steven McCreesh, said: "It is important to us to get the right contractor on board. We want a firm that will deliver on time and on budget as well as working with local people to maximise the benefits and minimise any inconvenience to them.

"We want a contractor that has done this before and has an excellent track record. That's why we have to consider both quality and price.

"There have been rumours and worries locally that junction 34 would be completely closed for two years during construction of the link. This is not true. The slips roads may need to be closed at certain off peak times and, given the plans for improving the northbound sliproad this one may be closed for longer periods. However this particular access is avoided by many motorists who consider it to be a very difficult way to access the M6.

"Local consultation would be carried out as part of the project before any closures were implemented."

Tenders will be due back towards the end of January and the successful contractor will then work with the county council to look in detail at the construction sequence of the road. A series of meetings will be held with local organisations and residents to find out what worries them about the building of the road and what can be done to prevent problems.

Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, County Councillor Keith Young, said: "This road is vital to the area it terms of relieving congestion and providing the chance for regeneration. It provides significant benefits to local communities, such as air quality benefits to Carnforth and flood relief to Slyne. It is a substantial investment in the area and I am determined to ensure the money is well spent."

The seven firms invited to tender are Bam Nuttall, Balfour Beatty/Birse, Costain, Laing O'Rouke, Morgan Est, Roadbridge – Sisk Joint Venture and Skanska.