Two weeks of road closures expected for busy Preston route
More overnight closures are expected in Preston next month as part of a bridge-widening scheme.
Temporary traffic lights returned to a major road Preston Road in Grimsargh last week (March 10), as part of the next phase of replacement of Skew Bridge.
The scheme - which began last June - will remove a notorious, narrow pinch-point. The latest phase focuses initially on installing the new kerbs and pavements.
Preston Road closed overnight on Tuesday (March 17) as the new bridge beams were lifted in. Further work will see the demolition of the existing parapet wall, completion of the new kerbs and pavement, and the installation 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.
In an update on Wednesday (March 18), Lancashire County Council confirmed more overnight closures will take place in the coming weeks.
A spokesperson for the council said: “We'll need some more overnight closures in April/May to construct the new road surface and replace road markings – we'll let you know when as soon as the dates are confirmed.
“Widening the bridge will improve journey times for everyone. We expect to reopen Preston Road to normal traffic in the next two months. Thanks for your patience in the meantime.”
Overnight closures are expected around mid-April for ‘up to two weeks’. Lancashire County Council said these closures will affect the final four bus services each evening between Longridge and Preston.
The new bridge is earmarked to open by the end of April 2026, with remaining finishing works continuing into May.
During the closure of Preston Road a signed diversion suitable for all vehicles, including HGVs, is in place via Preston Road (B6242), James Towers Way (A6), Whittingham Lane (B5269), and Cumeragh Lane (B5269).
Local traffic is expected to use a shorter route via Whittingham Lane (C359), Haighton Green Lane (C349), D’urton Lane (C349), Eastway (B6241), Andertons Way (B6242), Bluebell Way (B6242), Longridge Road/Preston Road (B6243) and vice versa.