Essential work at Squires Gate Bridge will start on Tuesday 7 November, 5am as part of Blackpool’s bridges improvement programme.



Work will involve replacing the carriageway, supporting steel and concrete beams and is expected to be completed by the end of March (weather permitting).

Over time, the reinforced concrete beams and steel supporting Squires Gate Bridge have become corroded and need to be replaced to ensure the bridge can remain open for years to come.

While the work is undertaken Squires Gate Bridge will be closed to vehicles between Sandbridge Place and Hillcrest Road.

A range of measures will be introduced to help traffic flow:

Traffic travelling northbound will be diverted along Clifton Drive, Burlington Road West, Bond Street, Watson Road and Lytham Road.
Southbound traffic will be sent along Lytham Road, Watson Road, Bond Street, Burlington Road West and Clifton Drive.
An alternative signed diversion route will go through St Annes.
Signals at junctions across the town will be altered to help traffic flow in the area.
Blackpool Transport Services will also temporarily reposition the bus stops located on Squires Gate Lane and Harrowside.
Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times
During this time Harrowside Bridge will remain closed to traffic to allow necessary repair and upgrade works to take place.

Cllr Fred Jackson, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Many of the bridges in Blackpool need repair or maintenance attention. To ensure that these access routes including Squires Gate Bridge will remain open to traffic into the future and are safe to use it is essential that this work is undertaken.

“This work has been planned to follow the end of the illuminations to minimise disruption. However, we apologise in advance for any delays which may be caused on the roads and thank residents and commuters in advance for bearing with us while we improve Blackpool’s roads.”

The works to both bridges are expected to cost in the region of £2.9m and is part of a programme to repair ten Blackpool bridges during the next four years at a total cost of £11.365m. The money is made up by contributions from Blackpool Council, the Department for Transport’s Challenge Fund and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership’s Growth Fund.

All members of the public are asked to observe and obey all traffic management signs and directions, which are provided for the safe management of the works and for the safety of the public.

To find out more, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/Bridges