WEEKS of road closures, temporary traffic lights and diversions start in central Accrington on Monday for work on the town’s new £6.4 million bus station.

Development of the controversial public transport hub in Crawshaw Street is now well advanced with the scheme still on schedule for a spring opening.

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Part of the major Pennine Reach bus improvement scheme, the steelwork is now complete, meaning the structure of the building is now in place.

Work on the roof has already started.

Now Lancashire County Council public transport officer Greg Bonner has warned of road closures and diversions starting next week.

He said: “From Monday, King Street in Accrington will be closed to through traffic in both directions.

“Diversionary routes will be in place between Blackburn Road and the King Street roundabout via Hyndburn Road and Oxford Street and will be clearly signed.

“The road closures are needed for a package of road improvements around the area of the new Accrington bus station.

“The closures will be in place for nine weeks until the end of November.”

The improvements include upgrading the traffic lights at the Blackburn Road/King Street junction as well as a number of more minor works in the wider area including the reshaping of footways and upgrading of kerbs.

Drivers should be aware that two-way temporary traffic lights will be in place on a small section of Blackburn Road, near to the current signal junction, when required, to control traffic and to allow for the permanent traffic signals at the junction with King Street to be upgraded as part of the Pennine Reach scheme.

Hyndburn council deputy leader Paul Cox said: “This is short term pain for long term gain.

“Unfortunately, it will cause some inconvenience and congestion but, when finished, it will be an improvement to the town and for bus travellers.

“In the interim there will be roadworks and diversions but these are unavoidable on a project like this.”

The new bus station has proved controversial with traders objecting to its move from its original site on Peel Street.