BLACKBURN’S landmark Wainwright Bridge is to be given a Rovers makeover.

The former ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ will be repainted in the colours of the town’s football club later this year.

The iconic span over the railway line, completed at a cost of £12million in 2008 and finally connected into Blackburn’s orbital route in 2016, will become a visible link with Ewood Park.

The re-painting of the bridge in Rovers’ famous blue and white halves will be paid for out of cash reserved for routine maintenance.

The choice of team colours was made by Blackburn with Darwen Council highways boss Cllr Phil Riley, a long-term fan, when he realised it was time for the bridge’s regular repaint.

The move is also designed to give the borough a boost as coronavirus restrictions prevent fans attending games at Ewood Park. Council bosses are working with Blackburn Rovers on using the correct paint codes for the club’s colours.

It is hoped the repaint will start in November, after talks have completed with Network Rail and plans put in place to implement highway changes to allow the work to take place.

It is expected to take three to four months to complete.

Cllr Riley said: “When I realised that it was the council’s turn to paint the Wainwright Bridge and I was asked about a colour scheme, as a lifelong Rovers’ supporter there was only one answer.

“The bridge is a notable landmark and it will be great to see it painted in the famous blue and white halves.

"We all need something to cheer us up at the moment particularly as none of us can go and watch the Rovers. Hopefully this will help to lift everyone’s spirits a bit.”

Blackburn Rovers chief executive Steve Waggott said: “It is a fantastic gesture by the council and we can’t wait to see one of the town’s most prominent landmarks lit up in Rovers’ blue-and-white halves.”

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “I think this is a good idea. People need something to cheer them up in difficult times.”

Cllr Paul Marrow, the council Conservative group regeneration spokesman, said: “Some people will like it and some may not. The bridge was due a repaint. The new colours will look good from Bolton Road.”

Rovers currently sit sixth in the Championship after a promising start to the season.

Mr Waggott added: “Hopefully we can arrange something special to officially open the new-look bridge once the work has been completed in the new year. We know how proud the people of Blackburn are of their historic football club and hopefully this will bring some joy to our supporters at a time when they are unfortunately unable to support their team at Ewood Park.”