TEMPORARY traffic lights at the Accrington Road/Burnley Road junction on the route to the Whitebirk interchange have been removed.

The move ends rush-hour bottlenecks in both directions between Blackburn town centre and the roundabout at junction six of the M65.

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It comes as work on the £4.8 million Furthergate Link Road scheme, aimed at speeding public transport and other traffic between Blackburn and Hyndburn, gathers pace.

The decision to take away the signals and one-way flow followed a review of the Furthergate Link Road works ordered by borough regeneration boss Phil Riley.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesman said: “The majority of diversion works are now complete on Furthergate and we have removed the temporary signals in place between Harwood Street and Burnley Road.

"Further works will be required and are being programmed to minimise disruption. Works are now progressing on Frederick Row and retaining walls are being installed. Road construction continues along the new widened sections of Furthergate and Bottomgate.

“Work is under way on the northern-side footpath from Copy Nook towards Gate Street, with pedestrian management in place. We are awaiting information from utility companies on Higher Audley Street to determine when it will reopen to traffic.”

Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade president Tony Duckworth said: “I am pleased Cllr Riley has taken decisive action to remove these unnecessary lights, ensuring traffic in and out of the town centre is moving more freely.”