WORK is finally set to take place to repair Burnley's crumbling Centenary Way flyover.

Repairs totalling £3.2million are set to begin on the seven-span A682 link, which is currently prohibited for vehicles with abnormal loads due to its 'poor condition'.

The work will take place over the course of the next year.

Council leader Cllr Mark Townsend said the initiative would be a major benefit to the town as large construction lorries would be able to use it again.

He said: "The project will bring about essential maintenance and repairs to this key bridge structure in Burnley, enabling it to operate to full capacity and support town centre growth."

Transport for Lancashire, the county agency for public roads and railways, is contributing £2.8million and the county council is offering just under £400,000 from its highways budget.

County highway engineers have been busy in Burnley during the past year, creating new traffic light arrangements for both Gannow Top and the Barracks roundabouts, alongside a Regional Growth Fund scheme which has seen a fresh outlook for Trafalgar Street, leading to the Weavers' Triangle redevelopment.

County Councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Our transport infrastructure is vital for everyone to get from A to B and to support the county's economy.

"It's important that we make timely repairs, and people will see a lot of activity as the better weather arrives which allows us to carry out much of this essential work."

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "It is a critical part of Burnley town centre's road network and without it, effective movement through Burnley would be impossible.

"Work is now needed to its structure to ensure its continued operation. Because of its poor condition, abnormal loads are currently banned from the viaduct.

"This is a significant problem at a time when Burnley is developing rapidly and has major infrastructure projects underway. The scheme will rectify the numerous defects that have been identified in the structure and allow it to reopen to all traffic."

The spending is part of a wider programme which will see the central reservation between junctions 10 and 14 of the M65 upgraded and street lighting improved across Lancashire.

Several other bridge schemes will be progressed over the coming 12 months, including strengthening work for The Brig, in St James Street, and an inspection for the B6434 Manchester Road canal bridge.

In Pendle, an options study is being drawn up for New Road, Earby, and reconstruction work is set to take place in West Close Road, Barnoldswick.

Plans have already been announced for maintenance and repairs to Lumb Bridge, leading to Irwell Vale, totalling £125,000, and £80,000 will be spent on renewing the Glen Terrace culvert, near Waterfoot.