ROADS are to be closed to allow for repairs to a Ribble Valley bridge on a busy route.

A section of Whalley New Road near the bridge in Langho will be closed overnight for the next four weekends so that engineers can carry out minor work and repainting.

Temporary traffic lights have already been put in place to control traffic and a diversion will also be in place while the part of the road is shut.

The closures will be in place from midnight until 5am on Saturdays and Sundays over the next month.

Travelling towards Langho from Wilpshire, motorists will be diverted onto Ribchester Road, before travelling through Clayton-le-Dale and Salesbury.

That road will lead onto Longsight Road before joining back up with Whalley Road.

The same route in reverse will apply for travelling in the opposite direction.

A spokesman for Network Rail, which is carrying out the work, said: “The bridge at Whalley New Road, Langho, is a rail over bridge where we are currently carrying out a programme of minor repairs and repainting.

“This will help to reduce the need for maintenance at the structure over the next 25 years.

“The works form part of a government funded national programme to enhance rail structures within local communities, with the works at Whalley New Road running until March 17.

“During the works there will be temporary traffic control measures in place, with a full road closure over the next four weekends – February 9, February 16, February 23 and March 2, during which time a diversionary route will be in place.

“A letter informing local residents of the works has also been issued in the last few weeks.