Rawtenstall Gyratory
Rossendale Council has appointed Lancashire County Council to design a concept which will increase capacity, shorten journey times and reduce congestion on the gyratory in Rawtenstall. The scheme also will enhance the junctions at Tup Bridge (where Haslingden Old Road, Newchurch Road and Burnley Road intersect) and again at ASDA. The scheme has been modelled in depth by Lancashire County Council and in a wider context of the town.
Details
Major improvement works are set to begin in Rawtenstall as part of the Rawtenstall Masterplan, a transformative programme aimed at enhancing the town centre and addressing long-standing traffic and infrastructure challenges. The project is supported by a significant £17.9m funding boost from the former Levelling Up Fund, alongside £1.5m from Lancashire County Council and £1.8m contributed by Rossendale Borough Council.
The upcoming works, scheduled from October through to April, will focus on critical areas of the town’s gyratory system, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow, safety, and accessibility. These essential improvements will help modernise Rawtenstall’s infrastructure and ensure smoother journeys for residents, visitors, and businesses.
The first phase of work is set to begin mid-October and residents, and business are advised to plan accordingly.
October to December 2024
Tup Bridge Junction – Burnley Road
Works will focus on upgrading crossings and footways, including the installation of a new controlled crossing. The project will also see full signal technology upgrades, linking with nearby signals to improve traffic flow and reduce journey times.
January to April 2025
Asda Junction (January to February 2025)
This phase will involve signal technology upgrades and improvements to pedestrian crossings to ensure safer and more efficient travel for both motorists and pedestrians.
Bacup Road Junction (March – April 2025)
The final phase will include significant upgrades to the Bacup Road junction, with some temporary road closures anticipated during construction.
Improvements to junctions and signal technology will be made as part of long term plans to improve journeys and traffic flow through the area. The latest hi tech equipment will be installed at signals in several locations to reduce congestion. Improvements to crossings and footways will also make journeys safer, and the unused subway filled in, with changes benefitting both pedestrians and cyclists.
The timings are subject to contractual arrangements and residents and businesses are encouraged to stay informed and plan their journeys accordingly, with up-to-date information on traffic management and diversions provided on the council’s website and social media channels.
This work has now been completed.
Works to the south gyratory are currently being reviewed. More information to follow.
South Gyratory Programme – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the South Gyratory Programme?
The South Gyratory Programme is a major infrastructure improvement established by Rossendale Borough Council and delivered in partnership with Lancashire County Council. It aims to enhance traffic flow and improve journey times, increase safety, and support active travel through Rawtenstall’s southern gyratory system. The South Gyratory includes improvements from the Bacup Road Junction, to the A682.
2. Why is the work needed?
As more and more cars are expected on Rossendale’s network in the future, these works will increase capacity on the road through a modernised programme of measures.
3. Who is delivering the project?
Rossendale Borough Council has secured the funding to deliver the project to meet certain outcomes but the works will take place on highways which Lancashire County Council is responsible for. Therefore there is extremely close working between the partners.
4. When will the works start and finish?
Works on site are scheduled to begin in the first few months of 2026 and will take around 12 months . Dates may be subject to change and will be regularly updated online.
5. How will traffic be affected during the works?
Expect possible temporary:
- Lane closures and diversions
- Changes to junction priorities
- Reduced speed limits in works areas
Regular updates will be available on the council website and social media.
6. Will access be maintained for residents and businesses?
Yes and this remains a critical component of how we deliver the scheme. We are committed to maintaining access to homes, businesses, and essential services. If access must be restricted at any point, we will provide advance notice and alternatives and will do our best to ensure this is at non-peak times
7. What about emergency services?
We are coordinating closely with emergency services to ensure uninterrupted access at all times. Traffic signalling will remain responsive to emergency vehicles.
8. How will I find out about changes and updates?
The Council will regularly update the website, Facebook and X.
9. Will noise or disruption be managed?
Yes. Work will be planned to certain controls and consideration will be given to peak journeys.
10. Are there improvements for pedestrians?
Yes. New crossings, safer footways are included as part of the programme design. This includes a signalised crossing at Haslingden Road and a much nicer paving material in front of the shops
11. What is happening to the subway?
Confirmation of planned works to the subway will be provided in due course.
12. Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
Rossendale Borough Council can be contacted on 01706217777 . More information will be shared as and when it is available.
To view the scheme plans, please click here.