MOTORISTS using the A56 face four months of traffic disruptions during work on a £4.5million upgrade for Rising Bridge roundabout.

The major improvements will involve lane closures and possibly some total closures of the rotary system but Highways England bosses and nearby residents believe the journey delays will be worth it.

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The roadworks will start at the key intersection next month on the main link from the M66 to the M65. They are due to be completed in May.

Work will include new traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes, linking villages, schools and businesses on either side of the busy dual carriageway.

The roundabout, which links the A56 to the A680 Blackburn Road, will also be resurfaced and new lights will be installed.

The scheme will feature ‘intelligent’ traffic lights, which will use sensors in the road to monitor traffic approaching from each direction and adjust the lights accordingly.

Officials said that precise details of lane and total road closures had yet to be finalised.

Project manager John Lyssejko said: “I’m pleased that the scheme at Rising Bridge roundabout will serve villages, schools and businesses in the area.

“We’ve had an enthusiastic reaction from local residents’ groups, businesses and head teachers to our plan, and we’ll do all we can to minimise disruption while work is taking place.

“When the scheme is complete, drivers and residents will be able to benefit from new traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes, as well as smoother journeys through the roundabout.”

Ann Taylor, secretary of the Friends of Acre Village, said: “Highways England have engaged in a really positive dialogue with us about what could realistically be done to improve pedestrian safety.

“There will be some traffic disruption but the final result will be well worth it, enabling the people of Acre village and Rising Bridge to cross the road safely to access local shops, services and Stonefold Primary School.”

Earlier this month Highways England began safety improvements along a 2.5 mile stretch of the A56 near Haslingden, between the two roundabouts which link the A56 to the A680, including Rising Bridge.

They involve new steel safety barriers, an upgraded pedestrian crossing between Rising Bridge Road and the Hall Park housing estate and a new pedestrian island.