MOTORISTS have been caught up in gridlocked roads in Bradshaw today after two lots of roadworks closed off main commuter routes.
Drivers are being warned to stay away from Turton Road after people found themselves stuck in back-to-back traffic throughout the morning.
Residents on the diversion route along Oaks Avenue also struggled to get cars off driveways as vehicles attempting to avoid the congestion cut through the road only to come to a stand-still after coming bumper-to-bumper with on-coming traffic.
The chaos has been blamed on a clash of roadworks, with Turton Road Railway Bridge closed until Monday for structural repairs by Network Rail while one lane of Turton Road is closed off from the junction of Bradshaw Brow to Oaks Avenue for resurfacing work by Bolton Council.
Laraine Thistlethwaite, from Westhoughton, became stuck on the road trying to drive towards Bromley Cross.
Speaking from her stationary car, she said: "My parents are in their 90s and need help and care, that's why I'm trying to get through.
"I was advised to go this way because I would be waved through but nothing’s happening. It's a big problem."
Another stranded motorist added: "What's going to happen if an ambulance of fire engine needed to get through to Bromley Cross?
"It's ridiculous!"
Motorists have been attempting to escape the chaos by diverting up Oaks Lane, near Canon Slade School, but the narrow route has also become congested along with the side streets cutting off it.
David Parkinson, who lives on the corner of Oaks Avenue and Turton Road, said this is not the first time residents have had to deal with traffic problems due to roadworks.
Last time the cut through known as Back Turton Road West was badly damaged by the constant movement of traffic trying to avoid the congestion.
He added: "We had lots of problems because it's an un-adopted road so no one would repair it.
"We have had notices saying they are going to completely shut Turton Road all the way from the top for the works so when that happens it's going to get worse.
"Everyone trying to get to Bromley Cross from the main street will be cutting down the back roads again."
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