M55 to be patched-up

Sections of the M55 in Preston, Blackpool and Kirkham in Lancashire be repaired under a nine day programme of overnight closures starting next week.

The £50,000 contract will involve ‘patching’ repairs along three sections of the motorway. The overnight works will take place from 8pm to 6am and will involve lane and slip road closures.

The work will focus at

• Lower Bartle near Preston along almost two miles of the westbound carriageway between Junctions 1 and 3 from Monday (13 August) to Friday (17 August). One lane on the main carriageway and slip road will remain open at all times.
• Carrbridge Wood, Blackpool along almost one mile of the westbound carriageway on its approach to Junction 4 between Monday 20 August and Thursday 23 August. A lane will remain open at all times.
• At Kirkham along the eastbound entry slip road at Junction 3 from Friday (17 August) to Sunday 19 August. The work involves a one lane closure on the eastbound carriageway near Junction 3.

Highways Agency project sponsor Jakub Malaj said: “Resurfacing parts of the carriageway surface which are worn will ensure road users can continue to enjoy safe, smooth and reliable journeys on the strategic road network.

“To minimise inconvenience to road users we have timed the work to take place overnight when traffic volumes are lower. Road users travelling overnight should leave a little bit of extra time to complete their journeys.

"Safety is our top priority and for the safety of road users and road workers we encourage all drivers to drive carefully past the works, keeping within the speed limit, and concentrating on the road ahead."