Work on Blackpool's Yeadon Way still on target

Work has continued during the coronavirus lockdown on the scheme to strengthen a 2km stretch of Yeadon Way with the road currently still due to re-open on May 25 as planned.

Contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering has been installing street lighting, kerbs and drains during the most recent phases of work as well as fitting vehicle safety barriers and timber fencing.

The final layers of the new road surface are also being laid before the finishing touches are put in place including painting of white lines, cutting back overgrown vegetation along the full length of the carriageway and painting bridge concrete parapet walls.

Coun Fred Jackson, cabinet member with responsibility for roads on Blackpool Council, said: "I'm pleased work has been able to continue and as it stands Yeadon Way is on track to finish on time.

"This is subject to Corvid-19 delays and any potential resource issues by the contractors and their subcontractors.

"Once coronavirus restrictions ease, Yeadon Way will once more be a very important link for both visitors and people who commute day in day out for their work."

Key construction projects have been allowed to continue by the government during lockdown in order to maintain essential infrastructure.

Yeadon Way closed to traffic on Monday November 11 last year, at the end of the Illuminations, to enable strengthening work on the stretch between Hawes Side Lane Bridge and the Ashworth Road roundabout.

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.

This 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.

The current £3.3m scheme has been fully funded by the government including £1m from Blackpool Council's Local Transport Plan.

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

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