Significant upgrades to traffic control systems are underway in Preston as the Lancashire County Council has unveiled an extensive plan to replace aging traffic lights across the city. The county council, through its Local Democracy Reporting Service, has confirmed the budget details following an announcement by highways officials regarding the schedule for these critical works. With a total projected cost exceeding £1 million, the upgrades are aimed at enhancing the efficiency of traffic management and ensuring pedestrian safety.
Lancashire County Council has emphasized that the existing traffic signals at various busy intersections in Preston have become increasingly difficult to maintain due to their age. The systems in operation are primarily relics from the late 1990s, with some dating back to as far as the 1970s. This poses not only a challenge for maintenance but also a risk for the safety and efficiency of traffic flow in one of the city’s busiest areas. As technology advances, the need for modern traffic control systems has become imperative, prompting the council to take necessary action.
The council successfully completed the first of five upgrade projects last week at a critical junction located at the crossroads of the A6 (Garstang Road/North Road) and Moor Lane. This particular upgrade, which is expected to be the most expensive of the entire initiative, carried a projected budget of £300,000. The completion of this project is seen as a significant step toward modernizing the traffic management system in Preston, setting the stage for the subsequent operations.
In the coming weeks, another major project is set to commence at the junction of the A59, where Ringway, Church Street, and Stanley Street intersect, particularly in close proximity to HMP Preston. The replacement work at this junction is scheduled to begin on March 2 and will take approximately six to eight weeks to complete, with most of the disruptive work being carried out during nighttime hours to minimize the impact on day-to-day traffic. The estimated cost for this essential project is pegged at £260,000, a notable investment aimed at upgrading a legacy system that has remained unchanged for decades.
The need for these advancements is underscored by the fact that some of the technology currently being used at the A59 junction was first installed nearly fifty years ago. Such outdated systems not only compromise operational efficiency but also fail to incorporate the latest safety features, which have become standard on newer installations. Thus, the Lancaster County Council’s proactive approach to upgrading traffic control systems is both timely and essential.
Following the A59 project, the focus will shift back to the Garstang Road section of the A6 for the next three upgrade initiatives, all of which are projected to enhance traffic flow and safety at crucial points in the road network. The first of these subsequent schemes is scheduled to begin on March 3 at the crossroads where Garstang Road meets St. George’s Road and Aqueduct Street. Highway officials have estimated that this upgrade will cost approximately £120,000 and seeks to improve the functionality of a junction that has long struggled with congestion and inefficient signal timing.
Further along Garstang Road, the traffic signals at the junction with Blackpool Road, near Moor Park, are also slated for replacement. This project has a budget of £250,000 and aims to enhance the signals’ capacity to manage the high volume of traffic that flows through this area daily. The ambitious plan includes the installation of advanced systems designed to facilitate smoother traffic movement during peak hours, drastically reducing delays for drivers and improving overall travel times.
Another noteworthy project involves upgrades at the busy intersection of Black Bull Lane and Sharoe Green Lane, critically located near the turn for Royal Preston Hospital. This particular upgrade is predicted to come with a price tag of £210,000. While a specific start date for this project has yet to be announced, the council has indicated that it will follow shortly after the completion of the other upgrades, ensuring that the whole area benefits from modern traffic technology without undue delay.
Given the current estimates, the total financial commitment for all five projects stands at an overall cost of approximately £1.14 million. Council officials remain optimistic about achieving the desired improvements within the anticipated budget; however, they have also acknowledged that the final cost could rise based on unforeseen circumstances or complications that may arise during the implementation phases. This insight highlights the complexities involved in infrastructure projects, where legacy systems often present challenges that necessitate additional funding.
Historically, the budget for the A6 upgrades had already experienced a rise when it was revealed last year that costs for three of the initiatives—including those at the junctions with Moor Lane, Blackpool Road, and Black Bull Lane—had increased by a combined total of £230,000 from their initial estimates. Such increases, while concerning, reflect the necessity of adapting to the realities of updating aged infrastructure and the unpredictability of project costs.
For local residents and commuters, the question of how these upgrades will affect daily travel has been a common concern. The county council has assured the public that while the upgrades may involve temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits will far outweigh the inconveniences experienced during the construction phase. By adopting a phased approach, with teams working primarily during off-peak hours, the council aims to minimize traffic delays and disruptions, allowing commuters to maintain as smooth a journey as possible while the upgrades are finalized.
As Lancashire County Council embarks on these extensive upgrades of Preston’s traffic control systems, the overarching goal remains focused on enhancing roadway efficiency, improving pedestrian safety, and aligning Preston’s traffic management infrastructure with contemporary standards. By investing in modern technology and replacing outdated systems, the future of travel in this vibrant city looks promising, with expectations for improved safety, efficiency, and user experience for everyone who navigates its busy streets.
The successful completion of these upgrades will not only signal a step forward in infrastructure development for Preston but also serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of Lancashire and beyond. As the work progresses and modern systems are installed, residents can anticipate a more manageable flow of traffic and an overall enhancement in the safety of their daily journeys. Overall, the optimistic outlook provided by the county council reflects a commitment to continuous improvement in public infrastructure, ensuring that Preston remains a city equipped to handle the demands of the future.