Progress update on Grimsargh Skew Bridge widening works
Construction on the Grimsargh Skew Bridge widening scheme will step up in March as planned works progress toward the final elements needed to complete the project this spring.
The project, which began in June, aims to improve traffic flow on Preston Road for all vehicles and boost public transport reliability by removing the current pinch point at the narrow skew bridge.
Temporary traffic signals will now be reinstated on Preston Road from 10 March for up to six weeks. Signals were originally expected to be required in February to protect teams working beneath the bridge, but changes to the construction method meant this was no longer necessary.
However, the signals are now needed to create a safe working area at carriageway level while crews clear kerbing and carry out footway works on both sides of the bridge in preparation for lifting the new beams into place. These activities cannot be carried out safely without traffic controls.
An overnight closure of Preston Road will take place on 17 March, from 10pm until 5:45am, to allow a crane to lift the new bridge beams into position.
After the beam installation, works will continue at road level, including demolition of the existing parapet, kerbing works, installation of a new pedestrian crossing outside the school, and reinstatement of the footways.
As the scheme progresses into April, further road‑level works – including surfacing and lining – will be carried out. Some of this activity will need to take place overnight, and further details will be confirmed closer to the time as the programme continues to adjust to site conditions.
Traffic on Preston Road is expected to return to normal flow by the end of April 2026, with remaining finishing works continuing into May.
Cllr Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:
“This is a complex and challenging project involving multiple stages of structural, ground and road‑level works. As with all major engineering schemes, the programme may need to adapt as work progresses to ensure everything can be completed safely and efficiently.
"We recognise the disruption that these works have caused for local residents and road users, and we genuinely appreciate the patience people have shown.
"We are doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum and the upcoming traffic measures are essential to completing the project safely and efficiently.
"Once finished, the widened bridge will make a real difference to journey times and reliability on this busy route.”
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