The first phase of weekly overnight closures at Junction 5 of the M65 has ended almost six weeks earlier than planned.
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The closures on the Blackburn side of the junction, known as the Guide Interchange, began in May and were originally due to run until July 24.
Blackburn with Darwen Council said favourable weather and work by the team on site meant the closures were no longer needed.
The scheme is part of £30m of investment in transport routes across the area and, once complete, is expected to help cut journey times and lower air pollution.
Balfour Beatty is carrying out the work on behalf of Blackburn with Darwen Council.
The next phase of overnight closures is due to start on July 27 and is expected to continue until September 11. These closures are needed for deep excavation works across the roads and slip roads.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
“Doing everything we can to minimise disruption for our residents and motorists using Junction 5 has been a priority from the very outset of this project.
“To be able to lift the overnight closures more than five weeks ahead of schedule is a fantastic achievement, and every credit must go to the team working hard on site.
“The road closures are needed to allow for deep excavation works that will pave the way for the widening of the slip roads, bringing improvements for everyone who uses the junction and those who live nearby.
“As a Council, we worked incredibly hard to successfully secure the Government funding needed for this project and are investing significantly too because it will deliver huge benefits, including increased traffic flow, reduced journey times, lower emissions and improved road safety.”
The project officially started in January and is due to be completed in 2028.
The council said a significant amount of work has already been completed, including new drainage systems, power supplies and excavation works.
National Highways requires at least 12 weeks’ notice for road closures, so the second phase of overnight closures on the Belthorn side of the junction will continue as planned.
During this phase, the B6232 and the westbound entry and exit slip roads will be closed overnight on weekdays between 9pm and 6am.
Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place and access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.
Councillor Mahmood added:
“We know that overnight closures can be inconvenient, particularly for those living or working nearby, and we will only ever use them as a last resort – when they are absolutely necessary.
“They are carefully planned with the contractor to minimise disruption wherever possible and will only remain in place for as long as needed, as has been the case with this first phase.
“I’d like to thank everyone who uses the junction for their patience and understanding while we deliver these important upgrades.
“We know these improvements will make a real difference.”
Balfour Beatty will also host public drop-in sessions during the project. The next one is on Tuesday 7 July 2026 at The Dog Inn, 61 Belthorn Road, Belthorn, BB1 2NN, from 7pm to 8pm.
Anyone unable to attend can email BwDJunction5@blackburn.gov.uk.
More information is available on the council’s website.
