Costain has landed the job after a fierce fight against Bam Nuttall, Balfour Beatty/Birse, Laing O’Rouke, Morgan Est, Roadbridge/Sisk joint venture and Skanska.

Steve McCreesh, Lancashire County Council’s project manager for the scheme, said: “Costain have demonstrated to us that not only are they capable of building a very complex job as this but that they will do it with minimum disruption and maximum benefits for the local communities.

“They have an impressive track record of delivering similar jobs on time and below budget.

“Involving the contractor at this stage will enable them to start to look at the details of the project and plan its construction. This will involve discussions with local people and businesses to understand their concerns so that inconvenience can be minimised.

“Amongst other things the completed scheme will promote regeneration in the area by improving access and reducing congestion. However the regeneration will start once work gets underway.”

Tim Bowen, highway services director for Costain, said: “This is a big investment in the area and we will be employing local people and local businesses. The workforce will also be spending money in the area so the building of the road will be the first step in revitalising the area.

“Costain intend to work with the local community, education and employment agencies to ensure this exciting project brings the maximum benefit to the local community.

“We pride ourselves on our record of bringing employment and training of long term unemployed and innovative local education and community initiatives to major projects such as Heysham Link Road.”‘