Burnley Roadworks: Public Invited To Manchester Road Update Sessions 2026

Key Points

• Lancashire County Council is inviting residents, motorists, and businesses to two drop-in sessions to be held on Monday, November 2, to provide updates regarding Manchester Road Works in Burnley.
• The first one will be held between 1pm and 2pm in the Mechanics Theatre; the second one will be conducted between 6pm and 7pm in Linkbridge Community Support Centre located on Swinless Street.
• Residents will be provided information about Manchester Road scheme and night works, as well as will have an opportunity to put questions and share their feedback.
• It is stated that all significant works will be finished prior to Christmas, while the majority of traffic management will be lifted.
• The general Manchester Road scheme will be completed in January 2027, with further works being mainly finishing activities.
• Manchester Road scheme stretches from Nelson Square to Red Lion Street and aims at improving safety, accessibility, and the appearance of the main road leading to Burnley town centre.
• Burnley MP Oliver Ryan is criticizing the scale, management, and coordination of the works, describing the situation as “unbridled chaos”.

Manchester (Manchester Mirror) October 28, 2026 — Lancashire County Council has arranged two public drop-in sessions next week to give residents, drivers and businesses the latest information on the long-running Manchester Road roadworks and upcoming night works.

As reported by the Burnley Express, the sessions will be held on Monday, November 2, and are intended to allow people to hear updates, ask questions and share feedback about the scheme, which has caused months of disruption in the town.

The first session will take place between 1pm and 2pm at the Mechanics Theatre. A second session will be held from 6pm to 7pm at Linkbridge Community Support Centre, Swinless Street.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said:

“We know the ongoing works are causing disruption and appreciate everyone’s patience. All substantial works are expected to be completed before Christmas, with most traffic management removed.”

Where Are The Manchester Road Works Taking Place?

The works stretch between Nelson Square and Red Lion Street, along one of the main approaches into Burnley town centre.

According to the county council, the project is designed to create a safer and more accessible route while improving the appearance of the area. Planned benefits include wider pavements, improved crossing facilities, enhanced public spaces and a safer route for people using Manchester Road.

The Manchester Road and Colne Road improvements are part of a wider East Lancashire infrastructure programme. As reported by Highways News, the programme includes public realm and safety improvements, upgraded pedestrian crossings, refreshed public spaces on Manchester Road, and neighbourhood safety measures on Colne Road.

When Will The Burnley Roadworks Finish?

Lancashire County Council says the main elements of the Manchester Road project are expected to be substantially completed before the end of 2026.

County Coun. Warren Goldsworthy, the council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “We’re making good progress and remain on course to have the main elements of the project substantially completed before the end of 2026.”

The overall project is scheduled for completion in January 2027. The council says work during the new year is expected to be largely limited to final finishing and completion activities.

In a separate report, the Lancashire Telegraph said the council expects minor finishing works and seasonal planting to continue into the New Year, with minimal disruption to the public.

Why Have The Roadworks Caused Criticism?

The scheme has faced opposition from motorists, traders and Burnley MP Oliver Ryan. As reported by the Burnley Express, Mr Ryan has criticised the scale, management and synchronisation of the works with other local projects, including schemes on Padiham Road and Barden Lane.

Mr Ryan described the situation as “unbridled chaos” rather than controlled improvement.

In comments reported by the Lancashire Telegraph, Mr Ryan said businesses and residents deserved accurate information rather than “conflicting messages that leave them unable to plan ahead”.

He has also called for greater support for affected businesses and clearer communication over project timelines.

What Have Businesses Said About The Impact?

Local shopkeepers and café owners have reported a sharp fall in footfall, with some businesses saying customer numbers had fallen by nearly half. They have also reported missed deliveries.

Earlier reporting by LancsLive said businesses on Manchester Road, Colne Road and elsewhere in the town centre had experienced a significant decline in customer traffic.

Mr Ryan said at the time: “Businesses are the foundation of our local economy, and numerous ones on Manchester Road, Colne Road, and throughout our town centre are experiencing their foot traffic slashed in half almost overnight.”

He urged Lancashire County Council to reconsider the scheduling of the works, consider compensation for affected businesses, and engage more meaningfully with traders.

What Does Lancashire County Council Say?

The council has defended the scheme as a major investment in Burnley and says it remains on schedule.

Coun. Goldsworthy said:

“This is a major investment in Burnley and it’s encouraging to see the scheme continuing to take shape.”

He added that the project would deliver wider pavements, improved crossings, enhanced public spaces and a safer, more accessible route for everyone using Manchester Road.

As reported by the Lancashire Telegraph, Coun. Goldsworthy also said the council understood the frustration of residents and businesses and was working closely with contractors and utility providers to minimise disruption where possible.

He said:

“We continue to review traffic management arrangements and coordinate activity where we can to reduce the impact on road users, businesses and local communities.”

The council added that it had maintained contact with businesses affected by the Manchester Road scheme and encouraged anyone with concerns to get in touch.

What Information Will Be Available At The Sessions?

Attendees will be able to receive updates on the Manchester Road works and information about upcoming night works.

The council has also invited people to ask questions and share feedback.

The sessions may be particularly relevant for residents and businesses affected by traffic management, deliveries, access arrangements and the timing of remaining works.

Background Of The Development

The Manchester Road scheme forms part of Lancashire’s wider Levelling Up East Lancashire programme, which aims to improve connectivity, safety and the local economy.

Plans for the Manchester Road area include wider pavements, improved surfacing, better crossing facilities and improved public spaces. Lancashire County Council says the proposals are intended to make Burnley town centre more attractive, safer and more accessible for shopping and leisure.

The council previously said the Manchester Road plans do not include pedestrianisation of Manchester Road or Grimshaw Street. It also said the wider programme received support from the executive and political leadership of Burnley Council and letters of support from three of the four local MPs.

Mr Ryan had raised concerns before construction began. As reported by the Burnley Express in 2024, he said he would not support the county council’s proposals for Manchester Road, citing concerns about disruption and value for money, although he supported the Colne Road and Brierfield elements of the wider programme.

The first major works on Manchester Road and Colne Road began in mid-January 2026, according to Highways News.

Prediction: How Could This Affect Burnley Residents And Businesses?

For residents and motorists, the drop-in sessions could provide clearer information about when traffic management will be removed and what night works are planned. If the council meets its target of completing substantial works before Christmas, drivers may see fewer restrictions on Manchester Road during the busy festive period.

For businesses, the sessions offer a direct opportunity to raise concerns about access, deliveries, footfall and communication. The council’s stated commitment to reviewing traffic management and coordinating activity could lead to adjustments, although the article does not report any specific new support measures for traders.

For Burnley town centre more widely, the completion of the main works could reduce short-term disruption and allow the planned improvements to be assessed in use. However, businesses and residents are likely to continue monitoring whether the council delivers its stated timetable and whether the finished scheme improves safety, accessibility and footfall.