Six nights of M65 closures planned for busy Blackburn junction near hospital next week
A busy M65 junction near Blackburn will be shut for six nights next week.
The closures will affect junction 5 as works take place on the B6232 between the Guide Interchange and Haslingden Road.
The route between the Guide Interchange and Haslingden Road will be closed between 9pm to 6am from Monday (March 2) to Monday (March 9). No closures will take place over the weekend (Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8).
Signed diversions will be in place and access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said the closures are needed to allow new drainage to be installed and for works to begin on widening the section of the road as part £30million upgrades to the road network around South East Blackburn.
Improvements by Balfour Beatty include widening the roundabout to three lanes, enhancing slip roads, and installing new traffic signals. The upgrades are expected to be completed in 2028.
In a statement, the council said: "The works must be carried out under a full closure to ensure the safety of all road users and the contractors on site, and are being undertaken overnight to minimise disruption to daytime traffic.
"The upgrades have been carefully coordinated with National Highways, the Council’s highways team, emergency services, and Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.
"Essential access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.
"Please share this update with anyone who regularly uses this route at these times, so they can plan their journeys in advance.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
"These closures are part of millions of pounds of new investment to improve the motorway junction, making it easier for you to get around by reducing traffic and air pollution too."