Published Tuesday 16 June 2026 at 12:46
The first phase of a series of weekly overnight closures at Junction 5 of the M65 has now finished – almost six weeks ahead of schedule.
The closures on the Blackburn side of the junction, known as the Guide Interchange, began in May and were originally due to continue until July 24.
However, favourable weather conditions and the efforts of the team on site mean the closures are no longer needed.
Once completed, the improvements – part of £30m of investment in improving transport routes across the area – will help reduce journey times and lower air pollution levels.
Balfour Beatty, a contractor with a strong track record of delivering major motorway schemes across the North West, is carrying out the works on behalf of Blackburn with Darwen Council.
The next phase of planned overnight closures will now begin on July 27 and are expected to continue until September 11.
The closures are required for deep excavation works across the roads and slip roads.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
Doing everything we can to minimise disruption for our residents and motorists using Junction 5 has been a priority from the very outset of this project.
To be able to lift the overnight closures more than five weeks ahead of schedule is a fantastic achievement, and every credit must go to the team working hard on site.
The road closures are needed to allow for deep excavation works that will pave the way for the widening of the slip roads, bringing improvements for everyone who uses the junction and those who live nearby.
As a Council, we worked incredibly hard to successfully secure the Government funding needed for this project and are investing significantly too because it will deliver huge benefits, including increased traffic flow, reduced journey times, lower emissions and improved road safety.
The project officially started in January and is due to be completed in 2028.
A significant amount of work has already been completed, including the installation of new drainage systems and power supplies, as well as the excavation works.
National Highways requires at least 12 weeks’ notice for road closures and, as a result, the second phase of overnight closures on the Belthorn side of the junction will continue as planned.
During this phase, the B6232 and the westbound entry and exit slip roads will be closed overnight on weekdays between 9pm and 6am.
Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place and access for emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times.
Councillor Mahmood added:
We know that overnight closures can be inconvenient, particularly for those living or working nearby, and we will only ever use them as a last resort – when they are absolutely necessary.
They are carefully planned with the contractor to minimise disruption wherever possible and will only remain in place for as long as needed, as has been the case with this first phase.
I’d like to thank everyone who uses the junction for their patience and understanding while we deliver these important upgrades.
We know these improvements will make a real difference.
Public drop-in session
Throughout the project, Balfour Beatty will host drop-in sessions where residents can meet the project team, ask questions and raise any concerns.
Details of the next session:
- Tuesday 7 July 2026
- The Dog Inn – 61 Belthorn Road, Belthorn, BB1 2NN
- 7pm – 8pm (drop in at any time)
Anyone unable to attend but wishing to ask a question can contact the team by emailing:
More information about the scheme is available on the Council’s website.