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Blackpool's Seasiders Way reopens after 1st phase of Waterloo Road bridge project following pigeon delay Blackpool Council thanked locals for their patience. Seasiders Way in Blackpool has reopened to traffic after the first phase of the council's Waterloo Road bridge improvement project reached its final stages. The council confirmed that Phase 1 of the scheme is almost complete, marking a significant milestone in the programme of essential works to strengthen and protect the bridge for years to come. In announcing the reopening, the authority thanked motorists, residents and businesses for their patience while the works were carried out, saying the improvements will help protect the structure, improve safety and reduce the need for future disruption. The improvement scheme began in April and forms the first phase of a wider programme of works to upgrade Waterloo Road bridge, which carries Waterloo Road over Seasiders Way. The current phase has focused on structural repairs and repainting to the lower section of the bridge. A second phase is planned for spring 2027 and will involve repairs to the upper section of the bridge, requiring the temporary closure of Waterloo Road. Work on the project was delayed after protected pigeon nests were discovered inside scaffolding erected around the bridge. Blackpool Council said several pigeon nests had formed within the scaffolding during the works. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, active bird nests are legally protected and cannot be moved while in use except under specific licensed conditions. Working alongside environmental protection officers and licensed specialists, the nests were carefully removed without harm to any birds, eggs or chicks once it was legally permitted to do so. The council said the additional work delayed the programme while the correct environmental procedures were followed to protect local wildlife. To make up for the lost time, council teams and contractors worked nights and weekends wherever possible in an effort to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible. Before the reopening of Seasiders Way, the closure between Parkinson Way and Bloomfield Road meant diversion routes were in place in both directions. Northbound traffic was diverted via Parkinson Way, Waterloo Road, Lytham Road and Bloomfield Road, while southbound traffic followed a route via Bloomfield Road, Central Drive, Waterloo Road and Parkinson Way. Waterloo Road remained open throughout the works. The bridge improvement project is designed to extend the lifespan of the structure through essential maintenance, helping to prevent more extensive repairs and disruption in the future. Blackpool Council acknowledged that the delay caused inconvenience for motorists and thanked the public for their continued patience and understanding while the essential works were completed safely and in accordance with environmental legislation. The authority said the completed improvements will provide long-term benefits by protecting the bridge, improving safety and reducing the likelihood of future disruption.