Roadworks on Burnley Road in Rawtenstall causing traffic 'chaos'

Improvements, which form part of Rawtenstall’s regeneration masterplan, are taking place in Burnley Road until December 20.

One commuter reported the works are causing a less than five-mile journey, from Waterfoot to Rawtenstall and back, to take two hours.

Matt White, from Motor Services Rossendale on Burnley Road, said: “I have to take my daughter to school before work which means I set off at 7.10am, and don’t get to work until 9.10am, it's chaotic.

Burnley Road traffic at standstill (Image: Pam Lou) “I only live down the road in Waterfoot!

“It’s completely gridlocked going through the town in the morning, drivers are ignoring the temporary traffic lights and just piling through.”

Toby Divine works at a day care centre for children on Burnley Road, he said: “We have to update parents and tell them to set off a little earlier.

“There have been a few instances where we’ve had to wait past our closing times with kids that haven’t been collected because the traffic is causing parents to be late.

“I’m concerned for when the next stage of roadworks take place, as that will be chaos for traffic coming from Manchester.”

Another furious motorist noted the temporary traffic lights were broken earlier this week, with both sets stuck on red, causing more problems. 

Haslingden Old Road is also affected by the chaos, this was taken at 4.40pm. Image: Roberta Pop)Works at the town’s Asda junction are planned for January and February and include full signal technology upgrades and crossing improvements.

Improvements at the Bacup Road junction are planned from March next year, including some temporary road closures.

Residents, commuters and businesses are advised to prepare for possible disruption and allow extra time when travelling in the area.

Cllr Alyson Barnes, Rossendale Borough Council leader, said: “It is inevitable that there will be some disruption while the work is carried out, and I appreciate how frustrating that will be for commuters.

"But this is all part of a bigger plan aimed at tackling some long-standing issues in the borough, including much-needed improvements to the traffic flow in Rawtenstall town centre, a change I’m sure we can all agree is overdue.

“We’d ask residents and businesses to bear with us while the work is being carried out and to allow extra provision when planning their journeys.”

Cllr Andrew Walmsley, Rossendale Borough Council deputy leader, said: “It's really difficult at the moment [to get around].

“It’s challenging in Rossendale when roadworks occur because of the valley and how it’s laid out.

“It concerns the communities that are travelling to and from work, plus school traffic, we’ve asked for the duration of the works to be minimised and in the meantime for drivers to be careful.”

Cllr Aidy Riggott, cabinet member for economic development at Lancashire County Council, said: "We are pleased to be contributing £1.5m towards the cost of delivering the Rawtenstall Masterplan, which will transform the town and benefit residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

"The new Gyratory System scheme is a key piece in this jigsaw and will greatly improve traffic flow by creating a more efficient and safer town centre for everyone. 

"These are exciting times for Rawtenstall and we're working closely with Rossendale Borough Council to deliver these works on their behalf.

"There will inevitably be some disruption as we make these improvements, so we just ask everyone to bear with us and allow extra time when travelling in the area."