Eaves Green Link Road is a 1.4km single carriageway completing the southern and western bypass of Chorley. A new roundabout ties it in at the western end, with a new traffic-signal controlled junction to the A6 at the eastern end. A 60m, 3-span concrete bridge crosses the River Yarrow.

 

Creating a second access for residents and emergency services to the Eaves Green neighbourhood, the new road has also relieved traffic and increased road safety on ‘rat-runs’. Furthermore the road has improved access to local facilities, in particular schools and employment areas, and established viable public transport routes for the Eaves Green community.

 

With 84% of materials by value having recycled content, the scheme set a high environmental standard. Innovative earthworks eliminated 24,000m³ of waste material and prevented the need to import additional fill. Reusing this site won material eradicated 12,000 wagon movements transporting material on and off site, resulting in a staggering 98% reduction in carbon emissions.

 

Protecting local wildlife was also a key consideration, not only during construction but also as a long-term objective. A sustainable urban drainage system successfully created new habitats for Great Crested Newts, with a ‘hibernacula’ (shelter for hibernating animals) and adjoining tunnels between the ponds to allow the newts to cross the road safely.