DRIVERS on the M65 should be spared any more major roadworks for up to 10 years, according to a highways boss.

When the current resurfacing work on the Blackburn-Huncoat stretch of the motorway is complete, there should be no need for any more major disruption until the new Blackburn to M6 stretch needs to be resurfaced.

Bob Baldwin, area manager for the Highways Agency in Lancashire, revealed that the M65 extension had seen traffic levels higher than expected when it was built.

The current work on the older stretch of motorway is giving it a new surface which reduces tyre noise. It is part of a multi-million pound improvement package for East Lancashire roads.

The project also includes improving a notorious road junction.

Resurfacing work has already started on the M65 in the £2.4million project which is due to finish at the end of June.

Highways bosses are hoping to start work on improvements to the Bay Horse junction on the A59 at Osbaldeston, the scene of several fatal accidents in recent years. "That project is slightly complicated in that we have to buy a piece of land to carry it out but we are hopeful of completing within this financial year," said Mr Baldwin.

The work will involve constructing a new right turn lane at the junction.

The Highways Agency is currently resurfacing both carriageways of the M65 between Clayton-le-Moors and the A56 turn-off for Manchester. When it is finished, Mr Baldwin says the motorway should be free of major disruptions for years.

"The surface on the new stretch should last around 10 to 12 years so it should be quite a while before we have major roadworks," he said.

Electronic information signs are starting to be erected at intervals of 1.5km along the motorway as part of a national programme.

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