Blackpool Launches First Phase of £17m Town Centre Road Improvement Scheme

Work has begun on the first stage of a major highways improvement programme in Blackpool, aimed at boosting regeneration, reducing congestion and improving access to the town centre.

The £17 million Town Centre Access Scheme (TCAS), supported by £15.3 million in UK Government funding, will deliver a series of upgrades to key routes across the town. The project is designed to enhance traffic flow while making the area more accessible for residents, businesses and visitors.

Alongside this scheme, the council is also increasing its investment in general road maintenance, with resurfacing planned for more than a dozen residential streets this spring.

The wider programme will introduce a range of improvements, including redesigned road layouts, better-coordinated traffic signal systems, and additional crossing points to support pedestrians and cyclists. These changes are intended to create a more efficient and user-friendly transport network in and around the town centre.

Councillor Paula Burdess, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Street Scene and Neighbourhoods, said the investment would play a key role in supporting Blackpool’s long-term growth.

She noted that, while some disruption is expected during construction, the upgrades will help create a more accessible and attractive town centre, supporting both local communities and future development.

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood also highlighted the importance of the scheme, describing it as a clear example of government investment helping to unlock local growth and improve connectivity.

The first phase of works is focused on the junction of Grosvenor Street and Caunce Street. Construction began this week and is expected to continue for around 10 weeks, subject to weather conditions.