CENTRAL Blackburn suffered a day of traffic chaos yesterday as major excavations took place at the junction of Copy Nook and Higher Audley Street.

Vehicles were backed up in both directions on one of the main routes from Eanam and Barbara Castle way to the M65 Junction 6 at Whitebirk, Burnley Road and Accrington Road.

One carriageway was closed for the excavations with temporary traffic lights in place.

Traffic was backed up to the main signals at the junction of Burnley, Accrington Road and Furthergate and beyond in one direction and towards Barbara Castle way in the other.

The work involving a mechanical digger was for duct crossings and new pedestrian/traffic islands as part of the Furthergate Link Road scheme of Pennine Reach.

The programmed works were due to be completed before this morning’s rush hour.

The previous traffic management layout was due to be reinstated by this morning with the temporary lights removed but with the closure from Copy Nook to Higher Audley will remain in place for another five to six weeks.

Blackburn with Darwen council regeneration director Brian Bailey said: “Work on the Pennine Reach scheme is progressing and the significant investment in our highways and public transport infrastructure is really taking shape.

“We appreciate there has been disruption to traffic due to the Furthergate works but this investment will greatly improve the road system and we appreciate motorist’s patience.”

The scheme is due for completion next summer.

Higher Audley Street is closed until late June/early July at the junction from Copy Nook for new drainage connections to be installed.

Eventually there will be a given bus priority in both directions.