‘This is madness’: 3-way-traffic control causes long queues in Blackburn

Traffic was backed up along Redlam, Bank Top and Garden Street at rush hour with the traffic control left in place overnight.

A hole had been dug on a footpath away from the road itself but this had been filled in and the work appears to have been completed.

As well as traffic heading into and out of Blackburn, the traffic control at the mini-roundabout caused major problems for parents dropping their children off at St Wilfrid’s Academy and Witton Park Academy.

A motorist who was stuck in the queue said: “This is madness. Why not simply put these aside so people can get on with their day.

“I think this was avoidable. Unless I am mistaken l couldn't see any work being conducted. It was like that last night too.”

Traffic chaos on Bank Top and Garden Street (Image: Traffic chaos on Bank Top and Garden Street)

Another driver, Adnan, who uses the route, said: “I drove past it and I could not see any holes being dug or any work going on. It would have made common sense to just move this aside for an hour.”

According to the One Network work was planned between Tuesday, October 4, and Thursday, October 6.

Morrison Telecom Services who were conducting the work on behalf of Open Reach have been contacted for comment. 

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesperson said: "BT Openreach have an approved 3-day permit for in place to carry out essential maintenance work.

"The Council has attached conditions to the permit which requires the signals to be manually operated at peak times minimising disruption. We are monitoring the works and will intervene if there is a requirement to do so."

Traffic on Redlam heading on to Bank Top (Image: Traffic on Redlam heading on to Bank Top)