Lancashire Council considers road repair budget for Tour de France costs
Hosting global event may require highway fund contributions
Lancashire County Council is contemplating using funds from its road repair budget to cover some costs associated with hosting part of the 2027 Tour de France.
The prestigious event will require financial contributions from the county's highways capital maintenance program, a £72 million fund designated for resurfacing, pothole repairs, bridge maintenance, and traffic light upkeep across Lancashire's 4,600-mile road network.
Budget allocation and economic benefits
While the specific amount to be allocated has not been disclosed, the council expects these investments to ready the 80-mile route for the Tour's Stage 2, boosting Lancashire’s economy by an estimated £15 million.
Liberal Democrat County Councillor David Whipp expressed support for hosting the event but emphasized that funding should not impede the council's existing responsibilities: “It should be funded in a way that doesn’t undermine the rest of the work the county council should be doing.”
Meanwhile, Azhar Ali, leader of the Progressive Lancashire group, highlighted the anticipated costs and economic gains, noting the need for roads along the Tour route to be in "immaculate condition" to foster local business growth.
Road maintenance and preparations
The council's Director of Highways and Transport—aligned with the Director of Law and Governance—has received authorization to enter agreements essential for hosting the Tour and ensuring well-prepared roads.
Lancashire’s allocation of road maintenance funds includes £500,000 tagged for "planned additional maintenance," and nearly £21 million reserved for resurfacing and preemptive repairs on over 100 roads, with further funding potentially supporting event preparations.
Stephen Atkinson, county council leader, lauded the Tour's anticipated positive impact on local communities: “Some people will only have to open their front door and they will have a front row seat to watch sporting history unfold.”
Hosting the Tour will showcase Lancashire, including its cities, towns, and renowned landscapes, to a global audience.