Calls for new River Ribble bridge intensify despite potential decades-long wait
Local MPs push for economic assessment of proposed Preston crossing
Local politicians are urged to persist in advocating for a new road bridge over the River Ribble near Preston, even though its construction might take up to 50 years.
Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis emphasised the importance of continued lobbying after requesting the government assess the economic benefits of such a crossing.
The proposed second route across the river, situated between Lea and Penwortham, has gained momentum in recent years following other completed road projects that support the bridge vision.
Strategic Infrastructure Enhancements
Recent infrastructure developments underpin the case for the new bridge, including the completion of John Horrocks Way in 2019 and Edith Rigby Way in 2023.
These roads are integral to the blueprint for the bridge project, which has the support of Preston and South Ribble MPs, Sir Mark Hendrick and Paul Foster.
The bridge aims to ease congestion by completing a ring road from the A582/M65 at Cuerden to the M55 at Bartle, diverting traffic away from Preston city centre.
Moreover, it would serve as an alternative route to the M6 through Central Lancashire during motorway gridlocks or closures, currently causing local chaos.
Political Advocacy and Economic Assessment
During a debate on private sector investment in Lancashire, Maya Ellis urged the government to evaluate the return on investment for a new bridge west of Preston.
Ellis noted the immense ambition and long-term nature of the project but stressed the need for proactive lobbying, in case funding emerges unexpectedly.
“The reality is it’s a billions-of-pounds project – so it’s not something that I expect them to turn around in a spending review and say: ‘Yes, we’ll go for it,’”. Ellis said.
“But I think it’s important we do take it seriously and…keep talking about it as something that would be a real game changer here – because you just never know.”
Ellis called for continued efforts to tackle congestion, particularly when the M6 is affected.
Challenges and Alternative Solutions
Paul Foster highlighted the project’s potential benefits but criticised the Treasury's ‘Green Book’ for not supporting the proposal adequately.
While Business and Trade Minister Chris McDonald did not address the bridge request directly, Sir Mark Hendrick acknowledged the lengthy timeline for funding, citing the four-year wait for a £8 million replacement of the Old Tram Bridge.
In addition to the bridge, Hendrick emphasised the importance of upgrading junction 31A of the M6.
The junction’s limited access affects traffic flow around Preston, contributing to congestion.
The new Ribble crossing proposal is included in the 20-year Lancashire Local Transport Plan, but not in the current implementation phase ending in 2030.
While initial plans suggested a dual carriageway from start to finish, revised 2024 plans feature junction redesigns along South Ribble's A582.