Work set to begin on the next phase of the Colne bus station improvements

Work is due to begin this month on the next phase of improvements that will bring all bus services serving Colne town centre into the upgraded bus station.

The project follows the major refurbishment of Colne bus station earlier this year and will focus on improving how buses, traffic and pedestrians move around the town centre, helping to make journeys quicker, safer and more reliable.

The work will allow buses to access Colne bus station from all directions, meaning all services serving the town centre will operate from a single location. This will make it easier for passengers to change services, access real-time travel information and use the improved facilities at the upgraded station.

As part of the scheme, Craddock Road will be converted to two-way traffic between Colne Lane and Skipton Road/Keighley Road, allowing buses to access the station from the east. New traffic signals with intelligent bus priority will be installed at the junction of Market Street, Skipton Road, Keighley Road and Craddock Road, while eastbound bus services will move from Market Street into the bus station. The project will also include improved pedestrian crossing facilities and a 7.5 tonne weight restriction on Windy Bank to prevent larger vehicles using the route.

The scheme is being delivered by Lancashire County Council, working with Pendle Borough Council, through its Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The project also aligns with Pendle Borough Council's wider town centre regeneration ambitions.

County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport at Lancashire County Council, said:

"Passengers are already benefiting from the upgraded bus station, and we're now moving on to the next phase of this important project.

"These improvements will allow all bus services to use the station, making it easier and more convenient for people to travel by bus while helping services move more efficiently through the town centre.

"Alongside the highway and pedestrian improvements, this investment will help create a town centre that works better for residents, visitors and businesses, while supporting more reliable bus services across the area."

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said:

“Bringing all bus services into the upgraded Colne bus station is an important next step in the regeneration of Colne town centre.

“It will make travelling by bus simpler and more convenient, while the improvements to roads, traffic flow and pedestrian crossings will help create a safer and more accessible town centre for everyone.

“It complements our wider regeneration ambitions for Colne and demonstrates our commitment to investing in the town and creating a more vibrant, welcoming place for people to live, work, visit and do business.”

Corten steel panels have now been fitted at the bus station, which will weather over time, developing their distinctive orange, rust-like finish.

The improvements have been made possible thanks to funding from HM Government's Bus Service Improvement Plan fund.