WORK on a £2million bridge to ease traffic congestion in and out of Blackburn is due to begin this month.

Phase one of the improvements, scheduled for completion by January 2004, also includes widening the existing carriageway from Eanam to Copy Nook.

Phase two of the scheme, funded by Government and European cash, will start in 2004 to continue the improvements from Copy Nook to Accrington Road.

The new bridge will carry traffic out of Blackburn along Bottomgate and Furthergate.

The existing bridge will be used for traffic coming into the town centre.

Both will have bus lanes to encourage more people to use public transport, while the overall project is expected to help regeneration in the area.

The road, which feeds on to Accrington Road, is one of the busiest routes into Blackburn.

The construction will see the first new bridge to span the Leeds and Liverpool canal for more than 20 years.

Landscaping work will also be carried out to make the area more attractive.

Councillors and contractors took a bus ride through the area to see the problems faced by passengers which the scheme aims to eradicate.

Coun Andy Kay, the borough's regeneration boss, said keeping traffic moving during the work was a priority.

He said: "Eanam is one of the towns major gateways and at peak times is very congested.

"The new bridge and highway improvements will make a real difference to traffic and public transport in the area.

"The creation of a new cycle lane will also make it a much safer junction for cyclists.

"Inevitably, the works will cause some disruption to traffic. The council would like to ask the public for patience and understanding while these essential improvements take place and thank them for their continued support for the regeneration of Blackburn town centre."

Work will be mainly carried out in off-peak hours to minimise traffic disruption. For more information on possible jams call the council's traffic hotline on 01254 680178.