The contract is worth an anticipated £110 million to Costain, and follows on from the M6–Heysham project which the Group is currently delivering for this customer.

The scheme, awarded via the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal, will link the A583/A584 to a new junction on the M55 via a 4km dual carriageway, with link roads to new housing areas at Cottam and North West Preston.

The road is a key element of the City Deal Partnership’s plans to support new development and economic growth in the region.

The contract includes supporting the Council in delivering the scheme through the statutory process, including planning and design development prior to project delivery.

Early Contractor work will start immediately, with main project delivery taking place from 2017 to 2019.

Andrew Wyllie CBE, Chief Executive of Costain, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this ECI contract which further underlines our position as a market leader in the delivery of critical highways schemes which support regional economic growth.”