This view of the A666 demonstrates the problems faced in a town where only one road traverses the central area. Queues like this are frequent and severely affect people's quality of life. However, a bypass is not really feasible owing to the state of the topography. Apparently, in the 1970s there was a serious proposal to widen the A666 corridor but it was quickly abandoned when the costs of land acquisition and displacement of homeowners was taken into account. Note the hideous Crown building in the background, which is currently being demolished and by September 2006 will no longer be a feature of the Darwen townscape.

Looking the other way towards the Circus, it is interesting to note how Darwen hasn't yet been swept up by the rampant street furniture upgrades what Blackburn has had. This means you can still see some classic lighting that could be considered quintessentially British - especially the Thorn Alpha 3 on a white metal column!

Looking at Bridge Street now, this restriction dates to the 1980s. The road was closed off when Hardman Way opened.

It is interesting to note original columns alongside the 'heritage' street furniture.

These restrictions signs are interesting, owing to the unusual exemptions. 

Looking down Bridge Street from Redearth Road outside of Sainsbury's. The junction here was given signals when the store opened.

The bus station outside Darwen Town Hall. This was recently rebuilt.

Another view from the Circus.

A view along Hardman Way towards Bridge Street.

Looking back towards the Crown building, which will be demolished soon.

A view of the ongoing work to redesign the one-way system in central Darwen. The current set-up will be replaced so Duckworth Street can be made pedestrian friendly.

IThere will be a bus lane here seperated by a traffic island.

A view up the bus-only section of Duckworth Street, this will also be modified. Note the miniature Darwen Tower models on the guard rails. These are a nice touch.

This section has changed beyond all recognition, and will be a quasi-roundabout layout.

The current set-up is confusing as original signs and markings are still in situ despite most of the system working opposite of the original layout at present.

This is a prime example of the one-way system and temporary layouts in direct conflict. A bus will really struggle to make this left turn, and indeed, a standard car has to attempt it in first gear owing to the sharp turn and gradients involved.

Again, an example of temporary system in conflict. The car on the right is on the original northbound lanes of the one-way system, yet is facing south.

Looking up to the Circus. The HGV will have a minor headache trying to get through Borough Road, immediately behind the camera vantage point.