Work on the A585 bypass and junction improvements in Lancashire has started after getting the go-ahead from the government.

The aim of the project is to ease journeys along one the busiest sections of the A585 between Windy Harbour to Skippool which is between the M55 and Fleetwood.

Highways England’s senior project manager Jonathan Stokes said: “The new road and associated improvements will tackle existing congestion, help secure and improve opportunities for housing and jobs, and contribute to improved connections to the motorway network.

“While it will be several months before local people and other road users will be able to see very much going on along the route we’ll be producing a regular project newsletter to keep people informed.”

Key preparation work has started on the £150 million project, with construction workers operating to government guidance related to the Covid-19 outbreak. The work includes constructing a project site office and continuing archaeological investigations along the path of the 70mph dual carriageway new bypass south of Little Singleton.

The new road and improvements to the junctions at Windy Harbour and Skippool are expected to take about three years. Work will initially be undertaken away from the existing road before moving on to reconfiguring the existing junction at Skippool and creating new junctions at Skippool bridge and Garstang Road. Finally, the existing route will be converted to a local road with enhanced provision for walking and cycling