Environment Agency to fit ‘more resilient’ temporary road at Broadgate flood works

“Attempts have been made to clean it from time to time when we’ve complained.

“The Mini Centre has lost customers from drivers who are loathed to use it.

“Over the weekend a car was damaged trying to use it.

“And we were told construction traffic would not use the temporary road and instead use the South Meadow Lane works entrance – but they’ve been down it.”

The temporary panels has become loose Pic: Susan Rowlands

The pub put up signs during Sunday to advise drivers of it being an unsafe temporary road.

Blog Preston approached the Environment Agency for comment. They confirmed they had now agreed to replace the temporary road with a ‘more resilient surface’.

A spokesperson said: “Our supplier is assessing damage to the temporary road caused by the intense rainfall over the weekend and working on an interim solution for vehicle access until the temporary road is replaced.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience experienced by road users and the time it has taken for improvements. We have now made arrangements to replace the Terrafirma mats with a more resilient stone surface, with work to commence on the 29 September 2025. It is expected to take up to two weeks to complete.”

The temporary road is needed as Riverside remains closed off due to the ongoing flood defence works which are over-running by a year for a section of the Broadgate-side of the scheme.

The Environment Agency says this is due to ‘challenging ground conditions’ along the river bank at Riverside – which has meant the closure of that section of road and footpath has remained in force.

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