Roadworks set to return to Midgeland Road

Fears have been raised of further traffic disruption in Blackpool as restrictions are reintroduced on a key route.
The previous roadworks on Midgeland Road earlier this yearThe previous roadworks on Midgeland Road earlier this year
The previous roadworks on Midgeland Road earlier this year

Midgeland Road in Marton will be open to one-way traffic only between Progress Way and Roxburgh Road from today as United Utilities restarts work to install new pipes beneath that section of the road.

Restrictions are expected to be in place until December.

Roadworks on the same stretch earlier in the year were temporarily lifted when engineers realised the project was more complex than first thought.

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Coun Jason Roberts, who represents the area, says the delay means the work will now coincide with the busy Illuminations period and increased traffic as pupils return to school.

He warned: “Clearly I and others understand this work is needed and some disruption is going to occur.

“When however setbacks occur contractors must redouble their efforts in communication to keep residents, visitors, commuters and businesses informed.

“Our council traffic department has done a good job at co-ordinating and accommodating this work on the road network.

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“However the contractors and United Utilities now need to re-think the impact due to the schedule slippage and minimise where possible the full road closures as we move into September, the start of term and the Illuminations.”

A United Utilities spokesman said: “Following the decision to remove our traffic management on Midgeland Road earlier this year, we’re now ready to return and lay new pipework in the carriageway.

“Starting on Tuesday, August 29, we will close the southbound carriageway and reduce Midgeland Road to one way, from Progress Way to Roxburgh Road

“This will be in place until December 2017.

“We know there’s never a good time to carry out work like this, but we hope the long term benefit this will have on the area by further improving beaches and bathing waters at Blackpool will be good for local residents and
visitors.

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“We’ve sent out letters to the local community, explaining the work we’ll be carrying out.

“We also have a designated customer information centre at our Fishers Field construction site, off Highfield Road, in the carpark next to the playing fields, should anyone need to speak with us directly about our on-going work.”