National Highways, with Kier Highways, celebrates the A585 bypass completion in Lancashire, improving traffic flow significantly.
- The £162M scheme involved replacing a congested roundabout with a signal-controlled crossroads, enhancing traffic management.
- The project included the creation of a new 4.8km bypass, with three bridges and six upgraded junctions, boosting local infrastructure.
- Environmental sustainability was a priority, with tree planting and wildlife crossings enhancing local biodiversity around the bypass.
- Despite challenges with soft ground and water mains, the project successfully opened in phases, culminating in August 2024.
National Highways, in collaboration with Kier Highways, has announced the successful completion of a major infrastructure project, the A585 bypass around Little Singleton in Lancashire. This £162M development marks a significant improvement in local traffic management, addressing longstanding congestion issues affecting Fleetwood and nearby areas, particularly during peak hours.
The scheme has radically changed the road layout at Skippool Junction, where a previously congested five-way roundabout has been replaced with a more efficient signal-controlled crossroads. This change is expected to greatly improve traffic flow, reducing travel time and accident risk at this crucial junction. The bypass connects Windy Harbour and Skippool, offering two lanes of traffic in each direction and significantly easing congestion.
Integral to this project was the construction of a 4.8km bypass that circumvents Little Singleton. This new route includes robust infrastructure enhancements such as three new bridges and six updated junctions alongside a 6km cycleway to support alternative transportation methods. Impressively, the project saw the laying of 100,000 tonnes of road surface material and the recycling of 500,000 tonnes of site materials, endorsing environmentally sustainable practices.
Sustainability and environmental consideration were at the forefront of planning, with the project facilitating the planting of 72,000 trees and shrubs. Additionally, the initiative created pond woodland and grassland areas to support local biodiversity. New safety measures included wildlife crossings under the carriageway, along with designated bird mitigation zones. The improvement of Mains Lane further enhances safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and horseriders.
The execution of this ambitious project was not without its challenges. Initial plans had set the project’s completion for August 2023, but unforeseen ground conditions led to delays. Particular difficulties were encountered around Little Singleton, where the road traverses a floodplain, necessitating a 5m high embankment. Groundwater and soft soil issues at Poulton Junction required inventive engineering solutions to safeguard the infrastructure, emphasising National Highways’ commitment to meticulous planning and execution.
Despite these hurdles, the phased opening commenced in December 2023, with the project reaching full completion in August 2024. The careful management of complex engineering challenges, such as the installation of a new water main on challenging terrain, highlights the project’s intricate planning and robust delivery.
The completion of the A585 bypass exemplifies effective infrastructure development, addressing congestion whilst prioritising environmental sustainability.
