WORK to re-open up a key town centre street has been completed.

Vehicles can now travel both ways on Northgate in Blackburn for the first time in at least 15 years.

The Department for Transport and Blackburn with Darwen Council-financed project opens up the road to traffic in both directions between Blakey Moor and Sudell Cross where the highway had been pedestrianised.

It is part of a wider £750,000 scheme which will see the change in direction of Victoria Street and realignment of Sudell Cross to allow travel towards King George’s Hall and new development areas.

The re-opening of Northgate links in to the £3.8million Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage Project to transform the area into a restaurant and leisure quarter restoring key heritage buildings and public spaces.

Cllr Phil Riley, borough regeneration boss, said: “The work is finished and Northgate is now open to two-way traffic. The contractors have worked incredibly hard to complete this scheme and make it easier for motorists to navigate this part of Blackburn town centre and access Blakey Moor.”