'We apologise' - Blackpool Council update on major junction closure as burst water pipe disrupts roadworks

Blackpool Council has issued an update on a major road closure affecting the Watson Road junction after a burst water pipe disrupted ongoing improvement works on St Annes Road.

The authority said the temporary closure forms part of the wider St Annes Road improvement scheme, with the programme of works having been adjusted to allow United Utilities to repair a water pipe leak further along the road.

By bringing forward work at the Watson Road junction, construction teams can continue working in areas that remain accessible, helping to keep the overall project on schedule while repairs are carried out.

The Watson Road junction will be closed on Thursday 6 August and Friday 7 August while carriageway planning works take place. During this stage of the project, the road surface will be reduced to a depth that is unsuitable for vehicles to drive over.

To help accommodate increased traffic during the Air Show weekend, the junction will reopen on Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August. It will then close again from Monday 10 August until Friday 21 August to allow further works to be completed safely.

During the closure periods, vehicles will only be able to travel southbound on St Annes Road, maintaining the existing one-way system across the junction. All other approaches and exits to the junction will remain closed.

Blackpool Council has advised motorists to follow signed diversion routes throughout the works. Traffic travelling southbound on Marton Drive should divert via Watson Road and Hawes Side Lane. Westbound traffic on Watson Road should use Marton Drive, while eastbound traffic should be diverted via Beverley Grove.

Road closure signage will remain in place to guide motorists throughout the duration of the works. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank road users for their patience while we carry out these essential improvements,” read a council statement.