Project Amber - Creating 21st century roads
Project Amber forms part of our plan to create 21st century roads and make Blackpool better.
Blackpool was the first local authority in the UK to use advanced imagery and analysis technology to repair roads. We’re now working with numerous suppliers who provide the latest technology to help us fix roads in a faster and cheaper way, that also gives longer-lasting results.
We've been trialling better ways to look after some of Blackpool’s roads, particularly in residential areas.
New technology, such as advanced imagery and analysis capturing, uses ultra-high definition imagery to send road surface information back to our teams. We also trialled new technology to fill potholes, filling in cracks within just a few minutes, which is great news as it means fewer road closures and a better commute for road users.
Surface treatment – how it works
The treatment used as part of Project Amber delivers long-lasting repairs, preserving and extending the life of our road surfaces for five to eight years. Project Amber allows us to repair roads in a faster, greener way, resulting in lower repair costs.
Although some roads may appear to look fine, fine cracks and worn areas can start to appear. If the cracks are left untreated, they will deteriorate further, allowing water to get beneath the surface.
We use a process known as ‘asphalt preservation’. This varnish-like treatment seals and preserves the existing surface. It’s fast, efficient, sustainable and very effective in preventing water from damaging the road and protecting the surface from heavy traffic. It also means less disruption for local property owners, since the process is quieter than traditional resurfacing methods.
Carbon neutral certified
We're working with carbon neutral conttractors, using the latest technology to repair the roads in a greener way.
Our recent road resurfacing works in the Anchorsholme and Squires Gate areas have now been certified as carbon neutral. We saved 31.4 tonnes of carbon compared to traditional road repair methods, that’s the equivalent of driving 94,200 miles!
As part of a UK tree planting initiative, we’ll soon be planting 52 trees in the town to offset carbon emissions from these works.
Upcoming works
As part of the ongoing project to upkeep the local road network, we are planning to carry out improvements to the surface of Red Bank Road between Devonshire Road and Queens Promenade.
Work is set to begin on Monday 5 June 2023 and is expected to be completed on Thursday 29 June, weather dependent.
The below sections of road will be closed to traffic as part of each phase:
- Phase 1 – section of Red Bank Road between Devonshire Road and Sunny Bank Avenue, expected closure from Monday 5 June until Wednesday 14 June.
- Phase 2 – section of Red Bank Road between Sunny Bank Avenue and Sainsbury’s car park entrance, expected closure from Wednesday 14 June until Wednesday 21 June.
- Phase 2a – section of Red Bank Road covering Sainsbury’s car park entrance, expected overnight closure on Sunday 25 June from 4.30pm until 2am.
- Phase 3 – section of Red Bank Road between Sainsbury’s car park entrance and Queens Promenade, expected closure from Wednesday 21 June until Thursday 29 June.
Once work is completed on each phase, each section will reopen and the team will move on to the next phase.
Working hours will be between 7.30am and 6pm Monday to Friday.
An overnight closure is also scheduled to the small section of Red Bank Road covering the entrance to Sainsbury’s carpark. This is expected to take place on Sunday 25 June between 4.30pm and 2am when the store is closed.
Businesses will be open as usual and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times. Access to Sainsbury’s car park will also remain open throughout the works, aside from an overnight closure as mentioned above. Please note that diversions will be in place for the other surrounding streets.
Any diversions to bus routes will be shown on the Blackpool Transport service updates page.
Past and future work
Our most recent works took place in October 2022 in Anchorsholme and Squires Gate areas on the following roads:
Anchorsholme
Squires Gate
- Crichton Place
- Bentinck Avenue (Northern section, between Crichton Place and Abercorn Place)
- Walpole Avenue (Northern section, between Crichton Place and Abercorn Place)
- Abercorn Place
We have also worked in the below areas over the past couple of years:
- Moore Park Avenue (Bispham)
- Faraday Way (Bispham)
- St Annes Road (South Shore)
- School Road (Stanley Ward)
Are you interested in finding out about the regeneration of Blackpool? Read more about it and subscribe to exciting news updates on our Making Blackpool Better page.