We are in line for a share of the new £2.5 billion North Local Integrated Transport Settlement. On the roads, there is likely to be extra funding to complete the A582 upgrade scheme from Penwortham to Junction 29 of the M6, which will connect up to the stretch we have already got dualled.
HS2 will run from Preston to London Euston in about 1 hour 40 min, which is 30 min faster than now. Trains will travel on the existing track as far as Handsacre, near Lichfield, then on the Phase 1 HS2 track into Euston when that is completed.
I'll be making the case for funding on rail to make a difference in South Ribble passengers. The reopening of Midge Hall railway station, removing the buffers at Ormskirk to allow direct trains to Liverpool and reinstating the Burscough Curve to allow direct services between Southport and Preston can and should become a reality now HS2 will not go to Manchester.
Many people in South Ribble and across the north want to see east west rail links that work for them, that drive growth and jobs and I welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to an electrified Network North line to cut travel times from Manchester to Bradford, Sheffield, Hull and other destinations.
This focus on northern transport infrastructure backed by billions is good news and will make a difference in South Ribble and Lancashire.
You can find out more here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/what-the-plan-to-launch-network-…
PS This pic is on the section of the A582 we have already got done, this investment will help us do another section connecting to this.
