Motorists facing delays getting into and out of Blackburn will have to endure another week of misery.

Underground electricity cables are being installed on Preston New Road near Mellor with five sets of temporary lights on the same stretch of road.

On Thursday following the closure of the M65 westbound Blackburn roads were gridlocked in places. Along Preston New Road some motorists faced delays of up to 40 minutes.

The work along Preston New Road is being carried out by Electricity North West who said work was progressing and should be completed by next Friday.

Lancashire Telegraph: Drivers have been faced with roadworks whichever route they take into and out of Blackburn. Here is what it looks like today.

A spokesperson for Electricity North West said: “Engineers are working on the next phase of our £7.5m Samlesbury Enterprise Zone project which will see 22km of underground electricity cables installed and a new 33,000-volt substation built. 

“The project is progressing and we’re now working on Preston New Road installing and connecting the new electricity cables to the power network. 

“To ensure engineers can work safely, temporary traffic lights are being used and all of our traffic management plans have been pre-approved by the council. 

“We expect the lights to be removed by Friday, September 10 and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”