Bus service improvements well underway!

Following the reinstatement of numerous bus routes, we’re also undertaking improvements to our roads as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

In December, we announced that three new bus services linking sheltered accommodation with Blackburn Town Centre had been reinstated. Then, we gave you the news that the old Outer Circle bus service will be back in action from May, after it was cut in August 2016.

Well, we’ve also been busy upgrading bus stops and key junctions along our bus routes. This reduces journey times for bus users, providing a better service, and it will also minimise congestion for all modes of transport, making the roads safer and easier to use.

On Monday 28 April the next phase will begin on A666 Larkhill/Barbara Castle Way Junction, for approximately 14 weeks.

The work will include installing new signal equipment, improved crossing facilities, resurfacing; and works to prioritise bus journeys which will in turn minimise wait times in and out of the town centre for all.

We are fortunate that we can utilise the most advanced temporary traffic lights to ensure the impact on journeys is reduced.

The work completed so far is as follows:

• Upgrading bus stops to ensure they are accessible.
• Improvements to Shadsworth Road/Old Bank Lane Mini Roundabout to enable better movement for road users and pedestrians.
• Upgrades to King Street/Montague Street Signal Junction to minimise congestion and ensure better movement of traffic.
• Upgrades to Lower Audley Street/Bennington Street Signal Junction including new equipment and sensors.
• Bolton Road/Aqueduct Road upgrades have been completed to improve efficiency and communication.
• Audley Range/Accrington Road Signal Junction has a new pedestrian crossing facilities installed, new signal equipment and sensors to reduce journey times.
• Audley Range/Queen’s Park Signal Junction upgrades have been completed to improve efficiency and communication.

Future works are as follows:

• A666 Larkhill/Barbara Castle Way Junction – Improving facilities for all modes of transport with the start date of Monday 28 April
• Yew Tree Drive/Lammack Signal Junction – A complete overhaul of the junction, including new signal equipment and Toucan crossing facilities across the dual carriageway with the start date of Monday 12 May
• Darwen Street/Townsmoor Signal Junction – Full upgrade with the start date anticipated to be July 2025

All work is expected to be completed by the end of August.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development said:

Prioritising bus journeys in our borough is a key objective. As part of the BSIP, we’ve been busy reinstating bus routes and are continuing to work on improving signals and upgrading bus stops and key junctions across the borough.  

This will ensure bus users have a more streamlined experience overall, becoming a more attractive option for those who may have been reluctant to use the bus previously.

Once the work is completed, I’m sure bus users will see a big difference in their journey time and experience; and hope that others will be tempted to leave the car at home more frequently as a result.

We all have a collective responsibility to reduce our own carbon emissions to help the environment; and there’s no doubt that using the bus is one simple but effective way of improving the air quality of the borough.