AN horrific crash which resulted in the death of a woman driver has brought calls for a safety step-up on the A580 East Lancashire Road.

Horse lover Julie Bracey, aged 38, of Mosley Common, Worsley, died in Hope Hospital, Salford, and the accident highlighted dangers which have been magnified by a bridge works diversion at Astley Green.

The westbound carriage way of the A580 was closed for several hours after the accident on the outskirts of Leigh last Friday.

It is believed she had been attempting a U-turn from the westbound carriageway to the Manchester-bound carriageway after tending her two horses at Shooter's Grove Farm off Rindle Road on Astley Moss.

Because of bridgeworks, Lower Green Lane has been blocked at the canal bridge and traffic is being diverted to the Liverpool-bound carriageway of the A580 via the landfill site road which connects to the East Lancs Road just west of Morley's Bridge.

Friday's accident happened shortly before 7pm at the Magazine Lane farm-track crossing mid-way between Morley's Bridge and the Greyhound island.

Concerned Wigan councillor John Lea immediately urged the highways authority to block-off the crossing.

Cllr Lea said: "The East Lancs Road is very dangerous especially when it is wet and dark. At peak periods it is hazardous exiting the diversion route from Lower Green Lane and these crossings are used by farmers who are familiar with the hazards.

"When the diversion was introduced the Morley's Lane crossing was blocked to deter people from taking a dangerous short-cut instead of travelling to the Greyhound island.

"After Friday's crash the Magazine Lane crossing has been blocked-off. I have also asked for a police presence at the quarry road exit on to the A580 to increase drivers' awareness of the speed of approaching traffic.

"There are ample warning signs for traffic on the A580 but do drivers' heed them?"

Police said the Ford Escort driven by Julie Bracey was involved in a collision with a van being driven by a 23- year-old Wigan man.

An inquest in to her death has been opened and adjourned.