MOTORISTS can expect disruption when work starts to improve a 2.5 mile stretch of the A56 near Haslingden.

Highways England is installing new steel safety barriers along the route between the two roundabouts which link the A56 to the A680, with work due to start tomorrow.

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A pedestrian crossing which links Rising Bridge Road to the Hall Park housing estate is also being upgraded, and a new island will be created in the centre of the A56 to make it easier for residents to safely cross.

John Lyssejko, project manager at Highways England, said: “The new steel barriers and better pedestrian crossing we’re installing on this section of the A56 should help to improve safety for everyone who uses the route.

“The pedestrian crossing links two residential areas of Haslingden and we’ll be making changes to the layout, as well as creating a new island in the centre of the road, that will make it easier and safer to cross.

“We’ll need to have some lane and overnight closures in place while this work is carried out, but it will bring long-term benefits to the A56 when it is completed.”

Some lane closures will be in place between 8pm and 5am, Monday to Friday, and 24 hours a day at weekends.

The A56 will also be closed overnight on Friday and Sunday nights on some occasions while contractors set up and remove the traffic cones and barriers.

Clearly-signed diversions will be in place.

The scheme is due to be completed in January and is part of a phased package of improvements Highways England is delivering along the A56.