The first phase of a major programme of road improvements designed to support Blackpool’s regeneration, ease congestion, and improve access to the town centre is set to get underway.

As part of the Town Centre Access Scheme (TCAS), a £17m project part funded by £15.3m from the UK Government, Blackpool Council will make significant upgrades to key routes in and around the town centre to help improve traffic flow for residents and businesses.

The work complements the council’s commitment to increase spending on roads maintenance, and comes as the council is resurfacing over a dozen residential roads this spring.

The full scheme will see improvements made on roads in and around the town centre to make Blackpool more easily accessible for both road users and pedestrians. Upgrades will include improving road layouts, modifying existing traffic signal junctions to work more effectively together, introducing more crossing areas to improve the area for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Cllr Paula Burdess, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Street Scene and Neighbourhoods, said: 

“This is an important investment our town’s future. These improvements support our long term ambition to create a town centre that’s easier to access and more inviting for residents, businesses and visitors. “The town has already seen significant regeneration, with more to come, and it’s essential that our highways network is upgraded to support the towns continued development. “While there will inevitably be some disruption, this investment will deliver real benefits for residents, local businesses and future growth in the town.”

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: 

“Blackpool is a town with real ambition, and this £15.3m Government investment in its road network is a clear sign of this government’s commitment to supporting that growth. “By improving access to the town centre, we are making it easier for residents, businesses and visitors to get where they need to go. This is what investing in local infrastructure looks like in practice – backing communities and helping them thrive.”

The first phase of work began this week at the junction of Grosvenor Street and Caunce Street and will take place for approximately 10 weeks, subject to weather conditions.

(Picture: Blackpool Council)