Roadworks Set to Begin as Major Bus Route Upgrades Continue Across Blackburn with Darwen

The Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) is bringing a series of road and junction upgrades to improve public transport reliability, reduce congestion, and make journeys safer for everyone. This includes work on traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and bus stop accessibility, following the recent reinstatement of several bus routes, including the return of the Outer Circle service in May.

The next phase of work will begin on Monday 28 April at the A666 Larkhill/Barbara Castle Way Junction, running for around 14 weeks. Temporary traffic lights will be in place to minimise delays, but some disruption to journeys is expected.

Key Upgrades:

• New signal equipment and resurfacing
• Improved crossings and bus priority measures
• Reduced congestion and smoother traffic flow

Improvements already completed include upgrades at key junctions across the borough, such as Shadsworth Road, Lower Audley Street, Audley Range, and more.

Further upgrades are planned at:

• Yew Tree Drive/Lammack Junction – starting 12 May
• Darwen Street/Townsmoor Junction – starting July 2025

All works are scheduled to be completed by the end of August.

‘Worthwhile Short-Term Disruption’

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:

“These improvements will help reduce journey times and make bus travel a more attractive option for residents. While we know the work may cause some short-term disruption, it’s part of a longer-term plan to deliver a more reliable and greener public transport network.”

“We all have a responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint, and better bus services can play a key role in helping us do that.”

The Council is encouraging residents to plan ahead and be patient as these essential works are carried out – with a promise of better, quicker, and more sustainable journeys at the end of it.