Six weeks of delays between Preston and Longridge as Skew Bridge works begin - full details
Lancashire County Council is warning of delays and road closures as major works begin.
Temporary traffic lights return to a busy road in Preston today (March 10), as part of a bridge-widening scheme.
The signals are situated on Preston Road in Grimsargh and will remain in place for up to six weeks. Lancashire County Council says the lights are needed to control traffic and create a safe working area during the next phase of the replacement of Skew Bridge.
The scheme - which began last June - will remove a notorious, narrow pinch-point. The latest phase will initially focus on installing the new kerbs and pavements.
In an update to motorists, a spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: “Please leave more time for your journey if you're travelling between Preston and Longridge over the coming weeks.
“There will be delays on Preston Road in Grimsargh due to work taking place to widen Skew Bridge. Temporary traffic lights will be in place over the bridge from Tuesday 10 March for up to 6 weeks.”
Preston Road will be closed overnight on Tuesday, March 17 for the new bridge beams to be lifted in, followed by further work to demolish the existing parapet wall, complete the new kerbs and pavement, and install a new pedestrian crossing outside St Michael's C of E Primary School.
A new mini-roundabout will also be installed at the junction of Preston Road and Ribblesdale Drive.
The new bridge is scheduled to open by the end of April 2026, with remaining finishing works continuing into May.
In a statement earlier this year, County Cllr Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This is a complex and challenging project involving multiple stages of structural, ground and road‑level works.
“As with all major engineering schemes, the programme may need to adapt as work progresses to ensure everything can be completed safely and efficiently.
"We recognise the disruption that these works have caused for local residents and road users, and we genuinely appreciate the patience people have shown.
"We are doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum and the upcoming traffic measures are essential to completing the project safely and efficiently.