Boost to Lancashire Economy as £7.5m A56 Safety Improvements Start
Safety improvements and resurfacing along the A56 in Lancashire – accelerated for delivery as part of the Department for Transport’s £700 million fiscal stimulus package – are to begin this week.
The £7.5m Highways Agency scheme is taking place on a three-mile stretch between Bent Gate and Rising Bridge Roundabout near Haslingden. The work is due to begin on Saturday evening (October 17) and is due to be completed next March.
The work includes resurfacing the northbound carriageway and removal of the existing lighting columns from the central reserve and the installation of new lighting columns in both northbound and southbound verges. Safety barriers in both the north and southbound verges will also be replaced and bridge maintenance and upgrading works will also take place.
New environmentally-friendlier lighting will help cut energy consumption and, as they are being moved from the central reservation to the verge, will also allow easier access – cutting maintenance costs and inconvenience to drivers caused by lane closures for maintenance.
Transport Minister Chris Mole said:
“This essential maintenance work will improve journeys for road users and improve safety on the A56. The delivery of this work also demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ‘Building Britain’s Future’ and bringing forward infrastructure investment wherever possible to help stimulate the economy.
“Fiscal stimulus funding from the Department for Transport will enable the Highways Agency to deliver £400 million of accelerated works this financial year with the A56 just one part of the North West’s motorway and trunk road network to benefit.”
Around 50,000 drivers and riders use this section of the A56 every day.
Minister for the North West Phil Woolas, said:
“This is very welcome – anyone who uses this route will see the common sense in cutting congestion and improving safety. This will boost the North East Lancs economy by creating a better link to Greater Manchester.”
Matt Sweeting, Highways Agency Regional Performance Manager, said:
“We welcome the opportunity to bring forward this renewal scheme for the A56 around Haslingden and Rawtenstall. It will provide a better, safer driving environment for customers and contribute to reducing the impact of the Agency’s road network on the environment.”
Throughout the scheme, there will be a combination of lane closures in both directions and full closures, northbound only, for resurfacing work. These will be kept to a minimum to avoid disruption to motorists. Where needed, diversions will be in place.
Work will only be talking place overnight between 10pm and 5am during the week. However, work will need to take place outside these times at weekends.
When lane closures are in place a 50mph speed limit will be in place to ensure the safety of road users and workforce. Drivers are advised to approach these roadworks with care and allow extra time for their journeys.
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