Newsroom

17 March 2026

Major upgrades to Waterloo Road bridge set to begin this spring

Blackpool Council is set to deliver an important programme of improvements to Waterloo Road bridge, helping to protect the bridge for decades to come.

Waterloo Road Bridge
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From Tuesday 7 April to Friday 26 June 2026, essential structural repairs and repainting will take place on the bridge, which carries Waterloo Road over Seasiders Way - one of the key routes into Blackpool.

To complete the works safely, Seasiders Way will be closed between Parkinson Way and Bloomfield Road for approximately 12 weeks, weather permitting. Waterloo Road will remain open throughout the works.

These essential upgrades will protect and improve the structure for the long term. Once complete, the improvements will:

  • Protect the steelwork through removal of old lead‑based paint and repainting with new coating system
  • Support the structural integrity through brickwork repairs
  • Improve safety, using upgraded barriers and clearer signage
  • Improve the pedestrian footbridge

The project is being delivered by Coating Services Ltd, a Northwest company, on behalf of Blackpool Council.

This is the first major works on the bridge in several years, and the work is essential to prevent corrosion, maintain structural integrity and ensure the route remains safe and reliable for road users and pedestrians.

The upgrades are being delivered in two phases, to minimise disruption by avoiding the closure of both Seasiders Way and Waterloo Road simultaneously, and to ensure the road can be reopened ahead of the summer holidays.

  • Phase 1, Spring 2026: Lower bridge (closure of Seasiders Way)
  • Phase 2, Spring 2027: Upper bridge (closure of Waterloo Road)
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“We are committed to protecting Blackpool’s infrastructure. There are 26 bridges across Blackpool that are crucial to keeping people moving but to protect them we have to carry out essential maintenance. “Completing this essential work will make sure that this key route into Blackpool can continue to be used for many years to come. “We have made sure that the work takes place outside of the summer holidays. By carrying out the work now, using the correct materials in the right conditions, we can extend the lifespan of the bridge and reduce the need for future closures. “All of this work and other investment around the town is focused on making Blackpool better so we ask residents and commuters to bear with us as we progress towards that goal. “We recognise that this work will cause disruption for those travelling through the area, particularly on Seasiders Way, and we ask throughout this period, commuters can remember to build some extra time into journeys and use the diversion routes provided. “We thank residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience while we carry out these works. These improvements are essential to ensure the long term safety and resilience of the bridge.”

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