Preston, Lancashire was reserved for the new western bypass. The M6 between junctions 30 and 32 was widened extensively between 1993–95 to compensate. Junction 31A which has only a northbound exit and a southbound entry opened in 1997 to serve a nearby business park. Other motorways terminating close to the city are the M61 – Preston to Manchester via Chorley and Bolton, the M65 – Preston to Colne via Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley and the M55 – Preston to Blackpool via Kirkham. Preston railway station opened in 1838 and has since been rebuilt and extended several times. It is a major stop
M55 motorway from nearby Warton Aerodrome made a test landing on the motorway, in order to prove its capability to use makeshift runways in time of war. Data from driver location signs are used to provide distance and carriageway identifier information. M55 motorway The M55 is a motorway in Lancashire, England, which can also be referred to as the "Preston Northern Bypass". It connects the seaside resort of Blackpool to the M6 at Preston. It is 12.2 miles (19.6 km) in length. The M55 has three lanes in both directions for most of its length. After leaving the M6 at junction 32,