Drivers warned of four weeks of delays near Royal Preston Hospital as crossing upgrade works begin

Drivers are being warned to expect four weeks of delays near Royal Preston Hospital as work starts next week to improve a pedestrian crossing.

Lancashire County Council said the zebra crossing on Sharoe Green Lane is being upgraded to a controlled puffin crossing to make it safer and easier for people to cross the road in this very busy area. There will be temporary traffic lights in place from the morning of Tuesday (May) for up to four weeks to allow the work to be carried out safely.

The two bus stops near the crossing are being temporarily relocated around 100m away while the work is ongoing to help traffic flow through the temporary lights. The work to be carried out involves adjusting the existing kerb line to accommodate the wider pedestrian crossing, excavations to install the traffic lights and controllers, and relaying tactile paving.

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An overnight road closure is currently being scheduled towards the end of June for work to install high-friction surfacing on the approaches to the crossing, along with new road markings. This will be advertised with signs in the area to allow people to plan their journeys in advance.

Lancashire County Council is asking people to leave more time for their journeys due to work starting next week.

County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "This is a very busy area with high demand from pedestrians to cross Sharoe Green Lane between the hospital and the shops, which is why we're upgrading the crossing to a controlled puffin crossing. We will try to keep disruption to a minimum, but there will inevitably be delays in this area due to the temporary lights needed to make sure the work can be done safely.

"The team working on this job will be able to operate the temporary lights manually if necessary to keep traffic moving as efficiently as possible. I'd ask anyone who can to avoid this area over the next 3-4 weeks, and if you do need to use Sharoe Green Lane please leave plenty of time for your journey.

"I'm sorry for the disruption and would like to thank people in advance for their patience while we carry out this important upgrade."