ROADWORKS on the main route into Blackburn town centre from junction six of the M65 at Whitebirk will be completed next month.

It has also been announced that the intersection between Higher Audley Street and Copy Nook, which has been closed for months after water damage beneath the road surface, will reopen next week.

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The current temporary roundabout with short-term signals at the top of the new Pennine Reach Link Road from the Gorse Street and Burnley Road junction up to Furthergate/Accrington Road will be removed early next month.

The new overhead traffic lights will come into operation with the high-tech bus gates and public transport vehicle recognition systems along the route to be installed by the end of August.

Already the traffic lights and cones which have for many weeks impeded drivers’ progress along Bottomgate down to Copy Nook and Eanam have been cleared.

The new traffic system into Blackburn from the M65 will be in full operation as works on the A56 from the M66 at Rawtenstall, including upgrading the Rising Bridge roundabout, are finished in mid-August.

However highways bosses are warning of continued delays on the top of the Grane Road from Haslingden into Guide in Blackburn because of repairs to the ‘Knowsley Retaining Wall’ and major work in Barnoldswick, both expected to last through August.

A spokesman for Colne and West Craven Police said: “Work has begun on building the permanent flood barrier along Skipton Road in Barnoldswick.

“Contractors are setting up temporary traffic lights around the works.

“Please be aware that the road is obstructed and there are likely to be longer delays at peak travel times and if you are using that route allow a little extra time.”

The newly-opened £4.8million Furthergate Link Road is part of the £40million Pennine Reach scheme.

Blackburn with Darwen regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley said: “The Freckleton Street Link Road from the Wainwright Bridge is now working well.

“The Furthergate works were due to be completed in August.

“By the middle of next month we hope that all the traffic on the main routes into Blackburn will be flowing freely.”

Cllr Derek Hardman, borough Tory group regeneration spokesman. said: “I am pleased this major scheme is finally close to completion.”

Tony Duckworth, Blackburn Chamber of Trade president, said: “This has been a difficult project and I am delighted it will soon be finished.”