Weekly overnight closures at M65 Junction 5 are due to start in May as work continues on the junction improvement scheme.
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The closures begin on 11 May 2026 and are expected to run until September 2026, with the work taking place overnight on weeknights only.
The scheme is already under way and is aimed at easing congestion at peak times and improving road safety. The council says the finished project, part of £30m of new investment in transport routes in the area, should help cut journey times and lower air pollution.
Balfour Beatty has been appointed by the council to deliver the works.
In the first phase, from Monday 11 May to Friday 24 July 2026, the A6077 and the eastbound entry and exit slip roads will be closed between 9pm and 6am on weeknights.
During that period there will be no access to Haslingden Road, Blackamoor Road or School Lane from Junction 5.
The second phase is planned to run from Monday 27 July to Friday 11 September 2026. In that phase, the B6232 and the westbound entry and exit slip roads will be closed overnight between 9pm and 6am on weeknights.
There will be no access to the village of Belthorn from Junction 5 during the second phase.
The council says clearly signed diversion routes will be in place and access for emergency services will be maintained at all times.
A public drop-in session is due to take place on Wednesday 29 April 2026 at St James Church, Lower Darwen (Stopes Brow, BB3 0QP), from 1pm to 7pm. The venue is fully accessible and disabled parking is available on site.
People who cannot attend can email the project team at BwDJunction5@blackburn.gov.uk.
