A34 By-pass Spur to Tomato Farm

I recall that the plans for the A34 by-pass included a spur into and out of the tomato farm so that its distribution juggernauts could access the farm direct from/to the by-pass and avoid the residential areas of Ryleys Lane, Chorley Hall Lane, and Blackshaw Lane.

However this doesnt seem to have happened? Lorries still access the farm via Blackshaw Lane, and some even come over the Chorley Hall Lane railway bridge which is not suitable (nor authorised) for such large vehicles. During the summer the noise and impact (house foundations often shake) of these juggernauts is significant, especially with traffic congestion in Ryleys Lane (school traffic) and Chorley Hall Lane (building works and playing fields traffic).

Examination of the by-pass shows there is a tarmac drive leading from it towards the tomato farm (though not clear how far it goes) but no proper by-pass access/egress ie juggernauts would have to turn through 90 degrees and go over a small kerb.

One day there is going to be a very serious accident if these juggernauts continue to access the farm through a residential area where the roads are narrow and there are lots of parked cars.

Does anyone know why a proper spur has not been built as per the plans?

Clive Elliott

Having been closely involved in the design of the Bypass at all stages - so far as I can recall there never was a plan to provide access to Fields Farm from the Bypass for large vehicles.  There may have been a minor access to allow the landowners to cross the Bypass to access their land on the other side but nothing was intended to access the main flow.

I am writing from memory and working from the remaining plan on the CEC website - my own archive of plans and drawings is a little to buried to check 100% right now