A MAJOR logjam was created during one of the first nights of a resurfacing project at a busy Blackburn junction.

Part of the Townsmoor interchange was sealed off on Wednesday night as part of the work to upgrade the likes of Russell Street and Park Road.

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But motorists attempting to leave Grimshaw Retail Park were left facing lengthy delays between 7pm and 9pm, as contractors went on ‘point’ duty to direct traffic.

One driver, John Millar, 34, from Accrington, said: “You would at least expect there to be some temporary lights, considering it’s one of Blackburn’s busiest points at the best of times.

“There’s dozens of cars backed up on the retail park and more trying to get out of town from Darwen Street.

“There’s no forward planning at all.”

Another female driver said: “The supermarket is always busy at this time of the day but no-one seems to have taken this into account.”

But council staff insisted that the Russell Street road closure had been properly promoted and there were diversion signs in place.

A Blackburn Council spokesman said: “When works commenced at the entrance to Grimshaw Retail Park traffic was being manually directed.

“As with works of this nature there will always be periods of disruption to traffic.

“Our site team are in contact with all the businesses in the area regarding the works.”

Traffic lights were also switched off at Townsmoor - even for routes not directly connected with Russell Street.

Road contractors were also resurfacing part of the Asda entrance, which it is thought could have required traffic to be manually controlled.

Council transport bosses say no resurfacing works are now scheduled to take place until next Tuesday though lining work will take place during the day.

Resurfacing is due to start at the Asda entrance and Mosley Street on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and diversions should be in place.