ANOTHER section of Preston's motorway is to become a cone zone after a £34.3 million package of road improvements were unveiled for Lancashire.

The M6's Blacow Bridge, which links the motorway to the M61, is to undergo road improvements to the tune of £2.4 million, while a stretch of the M65 will also have £2.4 million spent on it.

Half a million pounds will be spent on bridge strengthening at Blacow.

And while the prospect of more cones will make most car drivers' hearts sink, the agency is confident most people will understand.

Highways Agency area manager Bob Baldwin said: "Our commitment is to the maintenance of the motorway and trunk road network.

"Our aim is to reduce congestion and increase reliability of journey times, minimising the impact of the road network on the environment. "It will also make the roads safer."

The £2.4 million will be spent on resurfacing the area around Blacow Bridge, which is a notorious bottle-neck during rush hour.

Across the North West, £101.6 million is being spent on improving the roads.

Highways Agency regional director Kevin Lasbury said: "This investment reflects the government's transport policy which has made maintenance and road safety the priority for the Highways Agency.

"The Highways Agency is losing its old image of being a road builder. The road network is now largely complete and we are now giving priority to maintaining and improving the roads we have, dealing with safety and tackling noise and pollution."

Motorists are currently suffering roadwork nightmares near Junction 32 on the M6 where it meets with the M55. Millions is being pumped into improving the roads and strengthening bridges on the M55.

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