MAJOR building work has started on a new £9million bridge which will help complete Blackburn's orbital road system.

Around 25 heavy good vehicles have started delivering the steel needed to build the Freckleton Street bridge.

The bridge, modelled on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, forms part of the £12million Freckleton Street improvement project.

Lorries up to 26 metres long, some needing a police escort, are delivering the 560 tonnes of steel needed to build the structure, all week.

The 93 pieces of metalwork required are being shipped in from Italy to Liverpool Docks.

The steel is then being transported by road to Blackburn.

The bridge will take 14 weeks to construct.

Once completed, giant cranes will slide the structure across the railway line before dropping it into its final position.

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "It is exciting to see a project of the size and importance taking shape.

"I'm sure the people of Blackburn are as delighted as we are that everything is running to schedule"

The former Freckleton Street bridge closed in January after 100 years and was dismantled by a huge crane in just one day.

Since its closure, traffic has been diverted on to a new two-way system along Canterbury Street, with high-sided vehicles directed to alternative routes to avoid the height restriction at Darwen Street.

The deliveries are expected to cause traffic delays and the council is asking people to be patient or find alternatives routes.

The new bridge, due to be opened next year, will have a dual carriageway which will link Barbara Castle Way and Bolton Road.