TRAFFIC problems are set to hit the West of Blackburn next year when a stretch of Whalley Old Road is shut for major sewer works.

The highway artery will be closed from its junction with Beech Street to a point 20 metres north of its junction with Churchill Road.

The works on grouting sewers and improving an existing foul water overflow chamber are likely to take several weeks.

The order imposing the closure from January 21 for a maximum of 18 months has been made by Blackburn with Darwen council legal director David Fairclough.

It follows a similar closure along the same stretch of Whalley Old Road for three weeks in September for the construction of a manhole and installation of pipework.

Local traffic will be diverted via Beech Street and Plane Tree Road.

Heavy goods vehicles will be re-routed via Beechwood Road, Harwood Road, Philips Road, and Whitebirk Drive.

Pedestrian and emergency vehicle access will be maintained.