MOTORISTS could face traffic delays along four main roads in Blackburn after it was announced resurfacing work is to start next month.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has awarded the contract for road repairs on Duke Street, Tockholes Road, Whalley New Road and Yew Tree Drive to J Hopkins Ltd, from Bolton.

Work will take place throughout August and September.

The decision was made for the road improvements under delegated powers at the council’s Executive Board meeting.

A report said: “The four roads listed (or sections of) have been identified, using asset management processes, as requiring extensive carriageway surface repair works to provide a consistent durable surface with adequate skid resistance. The works will involve removing existing surface courses and inlaying a new road surface.

“The contract award is delayed leading to the works programme being extended into the new school term time. This could mean additional traffic disruption due to increased volumes of traffic using the local network when roads are closed to facilitate the works.”

Cllr Paul Marrow, who represents the Livesey and Pleasington ward, said he hopes that most of the traffic work is completed during the school holidays as it would create an inconvenience for commuters.

He said: “The works should be done during the school holidays and it is the summer when projects like this should be done.

“There is a six week period when it should be done with the better weather.

“There is always the potential for delays especially with people dropping the kids off at school.

“It would be a real shame if they can’t get it done before the holidays end.”

Cllr Phil Riley, council regeneration boss, said: “There has been a lot of investment in this part of town and making roads better is part of that.

“We will be employing the same methodology that is value for money and we want it to minimise the inconvenience to people travelling in the area.

“We hope they will be able to bring it forward so it does not affect people.”

The news comes after the Lancashire Telegraph reported in June that the authority had approved a £2.9m programme of road maintenance schemes in the next 12 months.

This includes the four roads and also work at the Emerald Avenue junction with Brownhill Drive in Blackburn; on Bolton Road in Darwen from Green Arms Road north to Moss Gap Cottages; and in Jubilee Square and Barton Street in Blackburn.

* What do you think of the news? Email robert.kelly@nqnw.co.uk