IMPROVEMENT works at a busy road junction are expected to start at the beginning of next month.

The junction of the A59 with Clitheroe Road and Pendle Road, near Clitheroe, is set to be replaced with a roundabout when work begins over the next couple of weeks.

Road closures and diversions will be in operation at the junction, which is a renowned accident blackspot, for around six months while the work is carried out.

It has also been revealed that property developers Taylor Wimpey is to fund the works as part of planning permission for its nearby housing site, which has access off Pendle Road.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: “We are planning to start work on improvements to a road junction near Clitheroe at the start of August for around six months.

“The staggered junction, one of the main access points for Clitheroe, is due to be replaced with a roundabout to improve safety and allow for higher levels of traffic.

“When work begins a 30mph speed limit and reduction in lane width will be put in place on the A59 on the approaches to the work site, and the junctions with Pendle Road and Clitheroe Road will be closed with diversions signed for the duration of the work.

“Traffic wishing to access Pendle Road will be diverted through Clitheroe via the A59/A671 roundabout to the south, onto the A671, and Pimlico Road .

“Traffic wishing to access Clitheroe Road will be diverted through Pendleton via Main Street.”

The particular stretch of road is a notorious spot for accidents, and just last year Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans asked highways bosses and police to carry out an audit of accidents in a bid to tackle the problem.

Mr Evans said: “There is a clear realisation that the A59 is a dangerous road.”