Centenary Way: Disruption could last until Christmas

County hall chiefs say the 50-year-old concrete structure is in poor condition and requires major maintenance work which will cost around £1.6m. and is not expected to be complete until Christmas.

Vehicles with abnormal loads are currently banned from the seven-span bridge which carries the A682 through the town.

County Coun. John Fillis, Cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Our transport infrastructure is vital to support the county’s economy. This programme of planned maintenance will extend the life of our roads and replace the most worn out surfaces, which is vital to keep them in good condition over the long term.”

One deck of Centenary Way will be completely closed and all works carried out on that deck before moving over to the other side. A contraflow system will be put in place to allow single lane two-way traffic to run on the other deck.

Beneath the bridge, Stanley Street and Cooper Street will be closed to through traffic and the works to sections of the bridge above Healey Wood and Finsley Gate will require off peak lane closures.

Access to businesses is expected to be maintained at all times throughout the works.

The scheme will see the replacement and renewal of a number of parts of the bridge, and will include work to the bearings and joints, as well as concrete repairs, parapet repainting, deck waterproofing, carriageway and footway resurfacing.

Around 230 abnormal loads could use the viaduct each year which currently have to use alternate routes.

The repairs are being made in line with a 15-year plan to improve Lancashire’s highway infrastructure.