A585 Windy Harbour to Skippool

Latest updates

• 01 November 2024

  Lane closures in place

  We need to carry out final surveys on our recent drainage improvement works. 

  For safety, single lane closures will be in place on both carriageways from Monday 4 to Saturday 9 November. 

  We'll be working overnight when traffic levels are lower, between 8pm and 5am. 

  Our essential improvements will ensure drivers continue to have smooth and reliable journeys on this part of the road network.

• 13 August 2024

  Celebrating project completion

  On Friday (9 August) we were joined by partners, councillors, MPs and civic dignitaries to celebrate completing the A585 Windy Harbour to Skippool project.

  With final upgrades to the network finished, it was the ideal time to mark the major achievement.

  

  Caption: Attendees included Andrew Snowden MP for Fylde (fourth from left) and Lorraine Beavers MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood (centre).

  Guests at the event learned more about the project, construction challenges and how the improvements will deliver smoother and more reliable journeys. Key achievements include:

  • building a new three-mile bypass with two lanes in each direction
  • constructing three new bridges
  • laying 100,000 tonnes of road surface material
  • recycling 500,000 tonnes of site materials
  • creating six new or improved junction upgrades
  • installing nearly four miles of new cycleway
  • using 50 local companies

  Enhancing the environment has also been a major part of the project. This has involved planting 72,000 trees and shrubs and creating pond, woodland and grassland areas to enrich biodiversity.

  Further environmentally friendly improvements include safe crossings for wildlife beneath the bypass and creating bird mitigation areas for special species.

  We’ve also carried out major improvements to Mains Lane, as well as across the wider scheme. Our work will improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

  Some seasonal planting is set to take place later year, but main construction work has been completed.

  We would like to say a massive thank you to drivers and the community. During construction, your patience and cooperation has allowed us to work as safely and as quickly as possible. 

• 04 July 2024

  Change in speed limit on Mains Lane

  Following the opening of the A585 Windy Harbour to Skippool bypass, we've been carrying out improvements to Mains Lane (the old A585).

  This is to reflect its new function as a local road before we hand it over to Lancashire County Council.

  Our work has involved:

  • completing a new traffic island at Shard Road junction
  • upgrading traffic signals at Shard Road and Singleton junction and installing new pedestrian crossings
  • installing new 30mph speed limit signs
  • moving the bus stop from Shard Road to Mains Lane and installing tactile paving to improve pedestrian safety
  • installing new cycle lanes on the road between Shard Road and Little Singleton junctions

  Please be aware that the speed limit has been reduced from 40mph to 30mph on the section of Mains Lane between Shard and Little Singleton junctions, as planned. 

  The change in speed limit will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Thank you for your continued patience while we complete our work.

• 22 December 2023

  Bypass open for traffic

  Earlier this week, we opened the A585 Windy Harbour to Skippool bypass to road users.

  We’re using a phased approach to open the bypass, it’s the least disruptive way of completing our remaining work while keeping local roads and communities moving.

  As part of the phased opening, the bypass is initially operating in single file with a reduced speed limit of 30mph.

  We’d like to apologise to any drivers who have experienced delays since we first opened the new road to traffic. We're working round the clock to ease congestion and improve journeys for road users in the area.

  The bypass will become fully operational later this winter, making use of all four lanes at the national speed limit (70mph). For safety, the speed limit will be reduced to 50mph on the approach to Poulton junction and 40mph towards Skippool junction. 

  We’ve put road signs at key decision points for drivers, informing them of the new road layout as shown in our scheme map.

  We’ll commission the permanent lights at Skippool in January and complete surfacing work at Windy Harbour, Poulton and Skippool junctions.

  We’ll also be carrying out alterations to Mains Lane (the old A585) to reflect its new function as a local road, including a new cycleway and reduced speed limits.

• 05 December 2023

  Phased bypass opening

  We’re pleased to let you know that we’ll be opening the bypass to road users for the first time, week commencing Monday 18 December 2023.

  The bypass will be opened using a phased approach, so people can experience the benefits of the new road as soon as possible. While also enabling us to safely complete finishing work along the route. This includes:

  • Skippool and Skippool Bridge junctions
    Completing traffic islands and installing permanent traffic lights at both locations
  • Lodge Lane
    Final landscaping and constructing a noise barrier on both the west and eastbound carriageway
  • Poulton junction
    Completing the traffic island and the installing a safety barrier and permanent traffic lights
  • Windy Harbour
    Completing the eastbound carriageway, including the installation of kerbs
  • Planting
    We will continue to plant thousands of trees, plants and shrubs

  Initially, the bypass will operate in single file with a reduced speed limit of 30mph.

  The bypass will become fully operational later this winter, making use of all four lanes at the national speed limit (70mph). For safety, the speed limit will be reduced to 50mph on the approach to Poulton junction and 40mph towards Skippool junction.

  What’s coming up?

  When the bypass opens in December, there’ll be an immediate closure of Garstang New Road to traffic at Five Lanes End (Shell garage vicinity).

  Motorists travelling towards the M55 / M6 / Lancaster / Preston or Fleetwood / Thornton Cleveleys will be advised to use the bypass.

  We’ll be putting signs at key decision points for drivers, informing them of the new road layout. Additionally, we’ll be sharing our updated scheme map via a number of channels including social media.

  We’ll also be carrying out alterations to Mains Lane (the old A585) to reflect its new function as a local road, including a new cycleway and reduced speed limits.

  We’ll continue to keep you updated by sharing updates on this webpage and on our social media channels when the bypass becomes fully operational.