Rossendale Borough Council updates residents on the Rawtenstall Gyratory improvements
LCC has carried out analysis to support improvements to the Rawtenstall gyratory. As part of these changes, the number of lanes on the short section between the Asda junction and the Bacup Road (Queens) junction will be reduced from three to two. This adjustment has been included in the design from the outset and is intended to improve safety, enhance access, and optimise traffic flow.
A key objective of the scheme is to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion, ensuring a more efficient and accessible town centre. Upgraded smart signal technology will be installed as part of the works, allowing traffic signals across junctions in the town centre to ‘talk to each other.’ This will make them more responsive and better coordinated, helping to ease congestion. Traffic modelling carried out by LCC confirms that all proposed changes will work together to achieve these improvements once the whole project is completed.
Disruptions during the development are being managed as effectively as possible, with the scheme split into two phases to minimise impacts until work is completed in approximately nine months. LCC has had to plan and implement these changes while working within a live road network, which presents challenges, contributing towards the current concerns. Every effort will be made to keep the impact of the works to a minimum, and RBC will continue to work alongside LCC to provide timely updates to ensure residents and businesses are kept informed throughout the process.
LCC acts as a consultee in its role as the highways authority and as the contractor. These improvements form part of the wider Rawtenstall Masterplan, with LCC supporting RBC in delivering this project. RBC will continue to push for timely updates from LCC regarding ongoing work so we can keep our residents informed.
These changes are a key step towards creating a safer, more efficient, and future-ready Rawtenstall, in line with RBC’s long-term vision and masterplan.