HIGHWAYS chiefs in Blackburn are celebrating after being told the government has recognised their case for cash to build a 400 yard extension to Barbara Castle Way.

Government highways bosses have told Blackburn with Darwen Council that they should put together detailed plans to build a link road between Barbara Castle Way and Montague Street.

The new stretch of road would be a crucial part of the proposed orbital route around the town centre which was unveiled in late 1998 as a means of taking Traffic from town centre routes such as Darwen Street and Church Street.

The idea is to make the centre of town more pedestrian friendly with the only motorists allowed to use the roads being those who want to park and go shopping. Traffic wanting to travel from one side of town to the other will be directed on to a new orbital route made up of Barbara Castle Way, Montague Street. Preston New Road, Higher Audley Street, Lower Audley Street, Great Bolton Street, Eanam and Higher Eanam.

The new section of road will run near to Blackburn College through disused land. No buildings will have to be demolished to make way for the road, should the final go-ahead for the route be given.

Alan Peake, Technical Services Director at the town hall said: "We have been told that the proposed stretch of road is seen as a necessary and important element of the orbital route.

"But this does not mean everything is now cut and dried. We have now been invited to submit detailed reports to the government. If given the go-ahead work would probably begin in the 2001/2002 financial year."

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