Blackpool Council confirms closures on main road, but it's not for roadworks

Blackpool Council have confirmed that there are lane closures on Preston New Road starting today (May 11).

In a statement, the council said that the lane closures are temporary and span from Preston New Road into Park Road Westbound as well as turning right from Preston New Road into South Park Drive. The closures will remain in place for seven days.

“There are no roadworks happening,” said the council statement. “This short-term lane closure allows us to use Smart Traffic Corridor technology to collect real-time data on how the junction is used throughout the day.

What this means for drivers

On the reasons behind the closures, the council said: “By understanding traffic patterns - from school runs to peak commuter times and weekend visits - we can plan improvements that reflect how the community actually uses this space.”

The planned work is geared towards implementing:

• Safer and more accessible pedestrian crossings
• Smoother traffic flow through the junction
• A layout that works better for everyone

“We’ve listened to local feedback about improving access and safety in this area, and this data will help shape the next steps,” said the council. “Thank you for your patience, this short term inconvenience will lead to long-term improvements to Preston New Road.”