Major £27m motorway link road opens
A major £27m link road in a coastal town has opened.
Work started on the Heyhouses link road, which takes motorists from Lytham and St Annes to the M55, in June 2021.
It was due to open in April, but Lancashire County Council (LCC) said "prolonged wet weather" had hampered progress.
The road has been built to improve access, relieve congestion on smaller roads and support plans for more housing and business development.
🥳 Here are the first vehicles going onto the new M55 to Heyhouses Link Road which opened this morning.
🛣️ The road completes the existing Lytham St Annes Way by linking Whitehills Roundabout near the M55 to Heyhouses Lane.
➡️ Find out more https://t.co/IAq3Ki7emq pic.twitter.com/mcwnx6zR9D— Lancashire County Council (@LancashireCC) June 28, 2024
It completes the existing Lytham St Annes Way by linking the Whitehills Roundabout near the M55 at its northern point, to Heyhouses Lane near Cypress Point at its southern point.
As well as the vehicle carriageway, there is a shared-use bridleway suitable for use by equestrians, cyclists and pedestrians.
Phil Durnell, director of highways and transport at LCC, said the opening was "the culmination of many years of hard work".
"Following the initial phase of construction on groundworks, drainage and structures, our own highways team has built this road, and we're very pleased with the result," he said.
Allan Oldfield, Fylde Council chief executive officer, said: "Lytham St Annes Way will transform the lives of so many residents and visitors to the coast, the towns, and the countryside in Fylde.
"A major road link from the M55 to the heart of the coast will not just provide massive benefit to existing economic activity and events, it will open new opportunities for growth."
Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk
