Millions of pounds to be invested in the borough’s roads

Almost £12 million will be spent by the council on improving the infrastructure of Blackburn with Darwen for all highway users.

It’s being announced in the Highways Capital Programme for 2025-2026, that the council has received almost triple the amount of government funding obtained previously to improve travel in the borough; up from £3.8 million received in 2024-2025.

This will come from three different funds:

1. The Local Transport Fund, set out to drive better connectivity within towns and between towns and cities; and improve everyday local journeys for people.
2. Highways Maintenance Block, which can be used to benefit all parts of the highway network, such as bridges, cycleways and lighting columns, as well as potholes.
3. Integrated Transport Block; allocated to support local transport maintenance and enhancements.

More than 65 roads in the borough will be maintained or re-surfaced, and over £1 million has been allocated to improve the borough’s footpaths to encourage active travel – which means walking/wheeling or cycling, rather than using a vehicle.

To ensure long term benefit, road closures and traffic management arrangements will need to be in place to support the delivery of the work. The programme of work will begin this summer to make the best of the school holidays and better weather.

To complement the government funded projects, the council have also allocated £630,000 to improve street lighting and illuminated bollard lights across the borough.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Executive Member for Growth and Development and Deputy Leader of the council said: "We are in a very fortunate position due to the fact that the government has recognised that our borough has huge potential. With the additional funding provided, we can make significant improvements to our highway infrastructure, not only benefitting those who need to travel by car, but also those who can make journeys by cycling, walking, or wheeling."

"The additional government funding now allows the council to progress many more priority highway schemes, including initiatives that have been waiting too long to proceed due to a lack of investment in our local infrastructure."

"There will be some short-term pain with required road closures and traffic management supporting the delivery of highway improvements, but the long-term benefits will be clear to all."

"With new housing developments in progress and now improvements to the borough’s key transport routes due to take place, the only way is up for Blackburn, Darwen, our surrounding villages; and countryside."