New bus stops along A666 as part of Pennine Reach scheme

New modern bus stops are being installed along the A666 as part of the Pennine Reach scheme.

A total of 94 waiting facilities will be improved between Darwen, Blackburn and Intack during the next few months. Stops will be upgraded to have:

• high quality, well lit, modern bus shelters
• raised kerbs to provide near level access to low floor buses;
• clearly marked bus boarding points to show where the bus will stop;
• 24 hour bus stop clearway markings on the road to prevent unauthorised parking at bus stops.

Some of the bus stops have already been installed between Bull Hill and Darwen Town Centre and pavements have been resurfaced in small batches. The stops are manufactured by Rawtenstall based company Autocross Euroshel with the involvement of Darwen based companies Almond and Mellor and WEC.

At key busy bus stops around the route, there will be digital displays showing up to the minute bus service information.

Pennine Reach is funded by the Department for Transport and is jointly led by the two local highway authorities: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Lancashire County Council.

The aims of the project are to reduce congestion on the road network, reduce journey times and improve the reliability of bus services, improve economic growth by unlocking development sites and improving public transport access to key strategic employment sites and support the regeneration of Pennine Lancashire’s towns.

Through a mix of highway improvements, new technology and high quality buses operating along improved routes with greater ticketing choices, the scheme is designed to make public transport more attractive and a real alternative to the private car.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Regeneration for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “In order to make public transport a real alternative to the car, it is essential that the bus stops are modern and attractive for passengers. It is all part of the travelling experience as well as the quality of the buses, pricing, frequency and reliability.

“A better transport network is essential for economic growth. It will help businesses who are wanting to expand and encourage new employers to come to the town, creating jobs for local people.”