Yeadon Way to re-open

Yeadon Way is set to re-open to traffic on Friday.

Barriers will be removed around lunchtime and traffic will be able to use the road again from then.

The £3.6m project has been completed on schedule, while also securing the thoroughfare’s future for years to come.

The work, carried out by contractors Galliford Try, has strengthened and improved the road in three vital areas.

Road stabilisation – At a number of weak points the existing road surface has been removed along with the barriers that line the road. Steel sheet piles have been installed up to 18 metres deep to improve the stability of the road.

Securing the embankment – Down either side of Yeadon Way is an embankment that had become weaker over time. The sides are very steep and wouldn’t be built at that angle in modern day construction. These have now been secured.

Land drainage – Work to improve the drainage in the area by clearing watercourses and gullies is having a positive effect.

The work was necessary due to a gradual deterioration in the road and surrounding area over time.

Blackpool Council successfully applied for funding from the Government to address those problems which, if left to deteriorate further, would have led to the road being closed.

Other improvements to the road include landscaping to improve the look of the road, as it is the first impression for visitors driving into Blackpool off the M55, as well as the introduction of a hard shoulder.

John Blackledge, Blackpool Council’s Director of Community and Environmental Services, said: “Yeadon Way is arguably one of Blackpool’s most important roads and if we hadn’t done this work then it could have had to close forever.

“Thankfully, we’ve managed to get the work completed and re-opened before the tourist season begins again. Along with Galliford Try, we have been working flat out to make sure all the work was done in time to re-open the road before Easter.

“I’d like to thank everybody for their patience while the work was taking place. Many people have understood the reason why the work needed to be completed and hopefully they will benefit from the improved road in the long term.”

The road, which connects the M55 with its town centre car and coach parks, carries huge volumes of local and tourism traffic, preventing congestion and is therefore vitally important.

Work on the crossing improvements at the Central Business District will also take place after Easter, to coincide with United Utilities work in the nearby area.