Next phase of works to create new access road for Blackpool Enterprise Zone

Works to create a new road from Common Edge Road to Blackpool Enterprise Zone on Amy Johnson Way are moving to the next phase.

The first phase of works to reconstruct Common Edge Road and create a junction to the new road are now complete.

Two new sets of traffic lights on Common Edge Road will now become operational, allowing traffic to safely access the new through road to Amy Johnson Way when it is fully open early next year.

In the next phase, works to widen the junction of School Road and Common Edge Road will start. To enable the works to be completed safely, three-way temporary traffic lights will be installed at the junction while the current traffic lights are out of use.

Once completed early next year, the improvements to this junction will reduce congestion for local road users by reducing the junction from four-way to three-way, as well as creating a filter lane from School Road onto Common Edge Road.

A new access road into Common Edge Community Sports Village has also been built to reduce congestion and will open at the same time as Vickers Way opens fully.

As part of the works, Jepson Way will now be closed to traffic at the junction at Common Edge Road and School Road. Vehicles accessing Oakwood Close and AFC Blackpool will instead use the new roads that have been created; Vickers Way and Hallett Avenue.

The two new road names were picked by school children at nearby St Nicholas Church of England Primary School. The names follow the area’s tradition of roads being named along an aviation theme.

Cllr Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said: “I’m pleased to see how the works are progressing to create a new access road and build a stronger future for Blackpool.

“Once fully open, the new road will make it easier for businesses to expand, bringing with them valuable job opportunities for local residents, helping us make Blackpool better.

“We appreciate residents’ patience while works are underway, and we’re confident once works are completed early next year it will deliver real benefits by reducing congestion and improving access for everyone.

“Not only will this project create more jobs and reduce congestion when it’s complete, but the construction work has created jobs and apprenticeships for local people, as well as plenty of work for local subcontractors and businesses who have worked on it.”

The works are being carried out by George Cox and Sons as part of Blackpool Council's £18.5m expansion to the Enterprise Zone designed to create more jobs in the area.

Funding for the new road has been supported by a £7.5m grant from the UK Government, as part of the Blackpool Town Deal awarded in 2022.

Blackpool Council is also marketing commercial land either side of Vickers Way for businesses to grow. Interested businesses can visit www.blackpoolez.com to enquire.