More work ahead for delay-plagued scheme

WORK on the multi- million Rising Bridge roundabout scheme is due to be completed in December – three months after the original deadline.

Highways England (HE) say that the final phase of work on the £4.5m scheme to link villages, schools and businesses on either side of the A56, is ‘on target’ for completion by the end of December.

The works, which began earlier this year in March were originally scheduled to end by August 31.

A final set of closures are planned for one working week from Friday, 18 November for resurfacing, replacing a crash barrier and installing the final set of lighting columns, and traffic sensors for the new ‘intelligent’ traffic lights.

During this the A56 will be closed between Rising Bridge roundabout and A679 Burnley Road, including the roundabout itself between 8pm and 5am. HE say that the new lights will take around six weeks to ‘synchronise’ and traffic may run slower while the lights learn and adjust to ‘traffic patterns’.

The agency has admitted that the work has been ‘challenging to complete’, and pledged to learn lessons from the delays.

A spokeswoman said: “Our contractors encountered some unexpected ground conditions for the slope stabilisation part of the scheme and issues with stone and wet peat while installing the light- ing columns. The only safe way to deal with this issue was to schedule some additional overnight closures.

“The scheme has been challenging to complete, and we are discussing with the contractor the lessons that can be learned.” She added that a representative from HE had met with local group the Huncoat Community Forum to discuss the delays. She said: “We appreciate that residents have been very patient, so it was important to meet with them to explain what is involved, what it will mean for traffic in the area, and why it would not be safe to complete the work without closing the road.”

Lisa Bloor, from the Ris- ing Bridge community group, said residents are increasingly frustrated.

She said: “I have had a number of complaints over the months that the noise is keeping people awake at night and have concerns in regards to how this may affect the local residents’ health.

“Most residents have been supportive and understanding in regards to the increased noise and traffic but with the deadline constantly moving we are reaching a point where we have had enough.”

‘We are reaching a point where we have had enough’