Concerns over knock-on effect of roadworks which have shut key road in St Annes for three months

Concerns have been raised about the potential knock-on effect for traffic flow around St Annes of roadworks which are closing a major road for three months.

Kilnhouse Lane is now shut at its junction with Queensway until September 21 for works which highways authority Lancashire County Council says are intended to improve the junction and access to the Richmond Point housing development.

During the works, traffic is being diverted along Blackpool Road North, while drivers already on Queensway face temporary traffic lights as the road through the junction is reduced to a single lane.

While a bus user has already highlighted to The Gazette the lack of temporary bus stops on the diversion route, St Annes town councillors are understood to have raised concerns with the County Council about the potential knock-on effect on traffic on other roads in the town as drivers try to avoid the works.

Clifton Drive North and its junction with Highbury Road West are traditionally major pinch points whenever there are works on Queensway, the only other major road between St Annes and Blackpool.

The works - and particularly their timing - have been prompting plenty of comments from Gazette readers on social media.

Tom Parrington said: “The roadworks on Queensway have become never ending and it will cause inevitable disruption on Clifton Drive as a knock on effect. Why does it take three months to complete such a small section of highway?”

Stuart Bell said: “They put cones out to close roads off and leave it for a week before thinking about starting work. Should just crack on with teams working around the clock to get it completed. We pay enough tax to pay for it.”

Patricia Jane Louise said: “Why do they always do this as the summer season starts and the roads are already busier than normal? Just a joke!”

Sylvia Ivory simply said: “Bonkers length of time for road to be closed.”

The works come as a very busy time for events in Lytham and St Annes, with Lytham Festival, featuring headliner including Pet Shop Boys and Teddy Sims being held from July 1 to 5.

Recommended routes from the M55 for that are either Lytham St Annes Way between Peel and Ansdell or Progress Way, Squires Gate Lane and Clifton Drive, although the Queensway works are likely to add to congestion on both at busy times.

Also during the time of the works, Lytham Club Day takes place on June 27, St Annes Carnival on July 11 and 12, The AIG Women’s Open Golf at Royal Lytham and St Annes from July 30 to August 2, Lytham 1940s weekend on August 15 and 16 and St Annes International Kite Festival from September 4 to 6.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: “The works at the junction of Kilnhouse Lane and Queensway are being carried out as part of a nearby housing development under a Section 278 agreement with Lancashire County Council.

“Closing Kilnhouse Lane allows the work to be completed more quickly and reduces the need for more complex traffic management on Queensway, helping to limit wider disruption.

“We are currently assessing the suitability of installing a temporary bus stop on Queensway or Blackpool Road North during the closure.

“Due to the traffic management in place, the proximity to the junction and reduced visibility on a bend in the road, it may not be safe or practical to place a stop on Queensway without introducing additional risks for passengers.

“We appreciate the patience of passengers, particularly those who rely on accessible public transport, while these works are ongoing and as we assess the safest options for bus provision."