Grimsargh Skew Bridge project to take longer than planned due to drainage issues
Work to widen Skew Bridge in Grimsargh, which will improve traffic flow on Preston Road by allowing two-way traffic for all vehicles including buses and HGVs, will take longer than planned after engineers uncovered unexpected issues during excavation.
A previously unrecorded drainage system was found beneath the bridge in an area needed to safely support the widened section. Along with this, the foundations of the existing bridge were different to those shown on historic plans. It means that there is additional work needed to reroute the drainage, and the designs for the new bridge widening are now being revised, with the project aiming to complete in spring 2026.
Work is currently being undertaken on site on the drainage to relocate the chambers. The design proposals have also been revised and are now being considered by the county council.
Lancashire County Council is working with the contractor to agree a new schedule and will write to residents in Grimsargh once this has been confirmed.
In the meantime, both parties are looking at ways to reduce the impact of traffic management measures on Preston Road, to minimise disruption for residents, businesses and everyone who uses this key route.
County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for highways and transport, said:
“We understand that delays to this important project will be frustrating for residents and road users. Preston Road is a very busy route and we’ve always been conscious of the need to keep disruption to an absolute minimum. That remains our top priority.
“We’re already working on options to ease traffic management while the additional work is carried out. We are also considering moving the one-week road closure originally planned for the October half-term to another suitable date.
“Although this discovery means the project will take longer to finish, the end result will be worth it with better traffic flow, fewer delays for buses and safer journeys for everyone.”
The project to widen Skew Bridge aims to improve traffic flow on Preston Road by allowing two-way traffic for all vehicles, including buses and HGVs, without the need to give way.
The scheme is being funded as part of Lancashire County Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan, and is one of a number of measures to reduce journey times for passengers.
You can keep up-to-date on progress at www.lancashire.gov.uk/council/strategies-policies-plans/roads-parking-and-travel/major-transport-schemes/grimsargh-skew-bridge
Notes to editors
A number of drainage chambers were discovered around 1m below ground level. These were not recorded on historic plans.
We anticipate that the discovery of the historic drainage system will not prevent work progressing on site. This includes relocation of the drainage system, and installation of a mini-roundabout at the junction with Ribblesdale Place.
The existing budget for the scheme includes allowances for further work which may be needed due to unforeseen issues such as this.