ROADWORKS in Lytham Road, in Preston, are set to continue well into next year after a string of road safety schemes aimed at cutting accidents were given the go-ahead.

In addition to new pedestrian refuge islands, the county council's highways and transportation committee chiefs are planning bus and cycle lanes to run from Lytham Road to Black Bull Lane.

The project is one of 21 local safety schemes costing an estimated £540,500 and work is scheduled to begin this winter, following the successful advertising of relevant traffic orders.

It will also include the installation of central white line hatching with right turn facilities and the upgrading of the pelican crossing.

The plan also includes banning traffic from turning right into Hawkhurst Avenue and reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph.

Other areas earmarked for improvements include Queens Street/Manchester Road, Preston, where a mini roundabout will be built and Strand Road/Guild Way slip road, where junction improvements are planned.

In South Ribble traffic calming measures are planned from Longmeanygate to Robin Hey, Leyland, Moss Lane to Bristol Avenue, Farington and in New Lane, to Cop Lane, in Penwortham.

Highways and transportation committee chairman, county councillor Richard Toon, said: "We have approved these schemes as part of our on-going campaign to improve road safety in Lancashire.

"Many local communities throughout the county have already benefited from our campaign, although I realise that there are still many problem areas we need to tackle.

"I will continue to push for more government resources to be made available for this important work."

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