Respite as roadworks chaos is set to end

MOTORISTS driving through Rawtenstall will be breathing a sigh of relief as a set of roadworks which have been causing traffic chaos are reportedly coming to an end.

People using the Tup Bridge crossroads near Rawtenstall Market have reported seeing their journey times increase by up to 45 minutes, after four-way temporary traffic lights were installed there on Tuesday.

It is understood the roadworks were part of emergency repairs to underground equipment by water company United Utilities.

People on social media have been venting their frustration after the sequencing of the temporary lights caused mile-long queues towards Crawshawbooth.

“What an absolute shambles and it’s still backing up on the bypass too,” one person wrote on Facebook.

Now, the county council has said that the delay in the completion of the emergency works was due to the bad weather, and the roadworks should be completed with temporary lights removed by Thursday, August 27.

County Coun David Foxcroft, who represents the Mid Rossendale area for Lancashire County Council, said he understands the frustration from drivers who have had to sit in the traffic for so long.

“The understanding is that United Utilities have requested to carry out some emergency repairs to their network underneath the highway,” he said.

“I spoke to Highways about how the traffic was flowing and sorting out the [traffic light] sequencing and asked this morning as to why they’ve been up for 24 hours with no actual work taking place.

“It was confirmed that the reinstatement of the carriageway was delayed by Storm Francis. This will be completed today and the lights removed.”

An LCC spokesperson said the temporary traffic lights were essential as part of emergency work being carried out by United Utilities to a burst water main.

“As it’s an emergency they don’t need to seek permission from the county council before starting work but do have to notify us,” the council said.

“One of our inspectors has been along today and asked them to change the timings on the temporary lights to improve traffic flow and we’ll be monitoring the situation over this afternoon’s peak period.

“We understand the water main has now been fixed and they should be in a position to remove the temporary lights tomorrow once the road has been reinstated.”

United Utilities told us that their works had been completed ahead of schedule and they are now in the process of finishing resurfacing works and reopening the carriageway.