For those of you who regularly use the A585 you’ll know that work is starting on improvements to Norcross roundabout. Over the next week the plan is to remove the roundabout, followed by the removal of all the islands. This will take several months before the main work begins. Road closures are due to start in August and the whole project is scheduled to continue until April next year.

Congestion is a massive problem on the A585 with 26,000 vehicles using the roundabout each day. With construction of the new A585 Windy Harbour to Skippool dual carriageway expected to take place between spring 2020 and 2022, there is growing demand to accommodate future traffic growth – hence my repeated calls for better transport links and a rail service from Fleetwood to Poulton.

The plan is to increase the size of Norcross roundabout, widen the approaches to the junction and install traffic signal controls. There will also be signal controlled pedestrian crossings and provision for cyclists.

I’m hoping that a great deal more thought has gone into managing congestion during this period of work, than went into the recent roadworks near the petrol station which led to traffic chaos for miles around.

I’ve written to the Chief Executive of Highways England seeking reassurances that measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth flow of traffic, and I have urged continuous monitoring of the traffic situation to gauge the disruption caused.

If you have any difficulties or concerns, please get in touch with me at Cat.Smith.MP@parliament.uk or call my office on 01252 490440.