Road closure warning for bridge repairs in Lancashire

Wanes Blades Road and Mains Lane, between Burscough and Mawdesley, will not be available as a through-route while work takes place to Wanes Blades Bridge where the two roads meet.

The closure is due to be in place from September 28 to October 18 for all road users including pedestrians and cyclists.

The bridge, which carries the road over the River Douglas, was originally built in 1939 and work is needed to repair concrete supports at either end of the bridge, and paint metal parts to protect against corrosion.

The repair project will take place over nine weeks from September 14 to November 13, however, engineers are able to carry out most of the work without closing it to traffic.

While the closure is in place advanced signs will divert traffic before it reaches the bridge, with a route suitable for all vehicles including HGVs to be signed via Parbold, Newburgh, Ring O’Bells and Hoscar.

A shorter diversion for all vehicles is not possible as many of the roads around Wanes Blades Bridge have other bridges with weight or height restrictions on them.

County CounKeith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Many of the historic bridges in this area have weight limits on them, and this work is vital to ensure Wanes Blade Bridge can continue to be used by all vehicles including HGVs.

“This is a narrow bridge, and some of the work cannot be carried out without closing it to all traffic including pedestrians and cyclists.

“We are aiming to keep the length of the closure as short as possible to minimise inconvenience to people in this area. I’m grateful for people’s patience while we carry out this work which should mean the bridge will not need any further maintenance on this scale for many years.”