WORK will start on the resurfacing of Barbara Castle Way from Preston New Road to Montague Street on Sunday, February 9.

It is expected to take four weeks to complete and the full road will be closed on Sundays only, to keep disruption to a minimum.

There will be a signed diversion route for traffic, and access for residents and emergency services vehicles will still be maintained at all times.

On Monday, February 10, resurfacing work, expected to take three weeks, will begin on Granville Road.

The roads will be closed in sections during off peak hours (9.30am to 3.30pm) and a signed diversion route will be in place for all traffic.

The work is part of a £10m investment in improving the borough’s roads.

The programme will result in hundreds of roads being resurfaced or repaired as part of a new maintenance regime designed to reduce the overall amount spent on highway repairs.

After recent severe bad winters and serious flooding last summer, the condition of the borough’s road network has further deteriorated.

Blackburn with Darwen Council claims the Invest to Save highway programme will see a 10-year backlog of repairs being carried out over the next four years.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, executive member for regeneration, said: “We have made every effort to keep disruption to a minimum. To assist the project, it is essential that vehicles are parked away from the area.

“We are transforming the way we tackle highway repairs by trying to be smarter with the funds we have.

“Residents and businesses have told us that the state of the roads matter to them and we know it is essential for a vibrant local economy.”