WORK has started on a £400,000 scheme to reconstruct a bridge over the A59 at Billington, near Clitheroe.

The bridge carrying Elker Lane in Billington over the A59 had to be demolished last year after being struck by a hydraulic excavator carried on a low-loader.

The work will mean several overnight closures of the A59 between the A666 Whalley New Road and A671 Accrington Road junctions.

The closures will take place from 10pm on June 29, July 6, 13, 20 and 27, until 8am the following morning.

There will also be a 40mph speed restriction for a 300-metre stretch of the A59 either side of Elker Lane.

Highways Agency Project Manager Paul Turner said: "The bridge was so badly damaged when struck by the excavator that it had to be demolished.

"The operation to replace it will require several overnight closures in order to ensure the safety of drivers and our workforce.

"Speed restrictions will apply at all other times."

The new bridge will comprise five 15-tonne steel girders, each 200ft long, to make a bridge deck.

On top of that 500 tonnes of concrete will be laid to create a new road surface.