Lancashire will spend £643.1m on transport priorities over four years starting in 2026/27. The funding covers improvements to bus services, active travel routes, rail and electric vehicle infrastructure.
The Lancashire Combined County Authority has approved its first Local Transport Delivery Plan, which sets out 20 priority areas for investment from 2026/27 through 2029/30. The plan forms part of a wider transport strategy for the county.
£643m split between capital and revenue
The total comprises £571.5m in capital funding and £71.6m in revenue funding. Capital funding supports physical infrastructure such as new or upgraded facilities. Revenue funding typically covers services and ongoing operational costs.
This split means the investment will take multiple forms. Some will involve building or improving infrastructure. Other parts will focus on service enhancements or accessibility improvements.
Transport funding covers more than highways
The £643.1m package is not solely for roads or carriageway projects. It includes a range of transport modes and network elements. Bus, rail and active travel infrastructure are key components alongside highways.
For example, a £28.2m allocation is earmarked for the proposed Cottam Parkway railway station. Other priorities incorporate improvements in bus services and active travel routes. The plan reflects how these modes interact with Lancashire’s wider transport network.
Network effects beyond individual projects
Changes in one part of the network can influence traffic flows elsewhere. For instance, improvements in public transport or active travel may reduce road demand. Conversely, roadworks or new infrastructure can alter local traffic patterns.
Previous cases, such as Weston-super-Mare’s resurfacing affecting residential traffic, illustrate these kinds of ripple effects.
Delivery framework extends over four years
The Local Transport Delivery Plan spans financial years 2026/27 to 2029/30. A separate Implementation Plan provides details on how projects will be delivered locally within that period.
This sets out a practical framework rather than a fixed list of schemes. Projects will advance through design, approvals, procurement and construction before completion.
Implications for contractors and authorities
The plan offers a broad strategy for using a significant transport budget. Contractors, consultants and local authorities can anticipate phased work across multiple transport modes.
The impact for road users could include better bus services, upgraded active travel facilities, new rail stations and improvements to the highway network. How and when these benefits materialise will depend on the development and delivery of individual projects.
Next steps determine the plan’s success
The establishment of a four-year funding and delivery framework is a significant step. The real measure will be how much of the plan translates into physical improvements and enhanced journeys on Lancashire’s transport network.
