Re-opening of Yeadon Way after £3.3m upgrade welcomed by tourism leaders

Work to upgrade the road has been completed on time although visitors are being urged to stay away for now.

Contractor Eric Wright Construction Group was able to continue work on the project during the coronavirus lockdown because it was deemed essential infrastructure.

Yeadon Way opened on Friday after being closed to traffic since November 11 last year to enable strengthening work on the stretch between Hawes Side Lane Bridge and the Ashworth Road roundabout.

Amanda Thompson, managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, said: “I am delighted to see the re-opening of Yeadon Way following the upgrade work.

“This direct link from the M55 to the heart of the resort and all its car parking is very important.

“We are all working together in Blackpool to prepare to re-open as soon as possible and welcome visitors back, and the re-opening of Yeadon Way will be great news for anyone planning a visit.”

Claire Smith, president of hoteliers group StayBlackpool said the route was “critical to the town’s economy.”

She added: “The fact the work has been completed despite being under Covid-19 lockdown rules is excellent news.

“We very much hope our miles of golden beach, clean sea air and wide, open spaced promenade will be exactly what people are looking for when considering a safe holiday location when it is safe to return.”

Coun Jim Hobson, Blackpool Council cabinet member with responsibility for roads said: “It’s fantastic to see Yeadon Way completed on time, despite Government restrictions during the pandemic.

“As with any project on this scale, there have been challenges along the way, but I’d like to thank all of our local residents for their patience while work was being undertaken.

“Although this a main route into Blackpool, we are asking visitors to stay away for the time being and we look forward to welcoming them here when it is safe to do so.”

It was feared the route, which in normal circumstances carries on average 12,000 vehicles a day, could have been forced to close permanently if vital improvements were not carried out.

Diane Bourne, managing director of Eric Wright Civil Engineering, said: “When we started on the roadworks we could never have imagined working in the circumstances we are currently experiencing.

“It has been a real team effort to ensure we could continue safely with the programme of works to ensure this important route into the town was ready for the summer season.”

The project was funded through a £2.3m government grant and £1m from Blackpool Council’s highways maintenance fund.

The original road has been replaced and resurfaced with new concrete columns and a reinforced earth wall to strengthen the structure.

Drainage has been improved, new energy efficient street lights have been installed, modern safety barriers have been put in place and overgrown vegetation has been removed.

It is the second phase of work after the first £3.6m tranche to replace worn out sections between St Annes Road and Hawes Side Lane was completed in 2015.

Following completion of both phases of work, Yeadon Way is expected to have a lifespan of around 40 years.