Culvert gets £550,000 of repair work

4:25pm Wednesday 20th February 2008

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MORE than half a million pounds is being spent on repairing a weakened culvert in Little Harwood.

The £550,000 repair project is under way at the River Blakewater in Philips Road.

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Council chiefs said the aging culvert was assessed as being "sub-standard" in relation to current highway loading regulations earlier this year.

Workers have since started demolition work.

The existing concrete deck has been pulled down while strengthening work has now started on the walls.

A reinforced concrete bridge deck is expected to be constructed next month.

The work has caused disruption to motorists using Robinson Street, off Whalley Old Road, and some back streets as they have been temporarily closed while the repair work is carried out.

The alternative route for vehicles is via Whalley Old Road, the A6119 dual-carriageway and Philips Road.

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "The structure will not require a central support which was required by the previous culvert to improve the river flow through the culvert.

"Work will include upgrad-ing the landscaping which had to be disturbed to gain access to the culvert and strengthening a length of adjacent highway retaining wall.

"Work on the culvert is due to finish around early May.

"The new strengthened structure will meet with current highway standards and will improve the river flow.

"The landscaping will also be restored around the culvert."