VIDEO: Secretary of State for Transport visits link road site

Patrick McLoughlin spent an hour at the Halton construction site on Thursday afternoon and was shown around with David Morris, the Conservative MP for Morecambe.

He toured the area where the new Shefferlands Bridge and roundabout is being built close to Halton Road and the motorway, and was given an update by Andrew Langley, project director for road builders Costain.

Afterwards Mr McLoughlin said: “The road is going to be a big and important scheme for Morecambe.

“I know from what (David Morris) has told me the way in which traffic can be very problematic around here. I hope when it is built some relief can be given.

“David was constantly badgering both the minister responsible and (my predecessor) to make the case for the road and I’m delighted that after being promised for so long, it’s actually being built.

“When you build new roads there is always controversy. It’s inevitable because people are worried about what may or may not happen. But I think now most people are accepting that the road is now under way and just what an important set of opportunities it will bring for the area because it should relieve congestion.

“I think the road will open in sections and you will see gradual improvements.”

Mr McLoughlin also talked about Mr Morris’ idea for a road tunnel under Morecambe Bay.

He said: “While other works are going on, these kind of schemes should be looked at to see if they are practical.”

The Secretary of State was also asked about the campaign to connect Carnforth railway station to main line services.

He said: “I’m always willing to listen to campaigners.

“Infrastructure investment, be it road or be it rail, has risen up the political agenda. Look at what’s happened on the railways over the past 20 years, we’ve gone from 750m journeys a year to 1.6bn. Not only that we’ve also seen a 75% increase in freight. So it’s very important that we provide the right kind of infrastructure.”