A MAJOR programme of work to improve bus services will start on Monday.

Work on the Leigh-Salford-Manchester busway, which will travel along the East Lancashire Road (A580) between Salford and Manchester is hoped to improve access and create a more punctual bus service.

Dedicated bus lanes are to be created at key stretches of the A580 between Ellenbrook and Irlams o’th’ Height.

Transport for Greater Manchester and Salford City Council have developed the scheme to improve access to key destinations by more reliable, punctual bus services with shorter journey times.

From Monday there will be a series of diversions before bus lane construction can start next year.

Alongside new stretches of bus lane there will be two lanes of general traffic in each direction.

A new signalling system that responds to traffic levels on the road will also be installed to improve traffic flow at junctions.

The plans for the East Lancs Road also include better and safer facilities for pedestrians and cyclists as part of wider improvements to a number of junctions.

From next Monday, British Telecom will be carrying out work on the eastbound carriageway (towards Manchester) along the A580 between Old Clough Lane and the junction where the M61 joins the A580. Part of the A580 will be reduced to one lane on the eastbound carriageway only. Access will be maintained to the M60 north on-slip road.

Cllr Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM Committee, said: “By enabling more reliable and punctual bus services with shorter journey times we will make it much easier to get to key employment, education and healthcare destinations on the route and into the city centre and beyond.”

Peter Boulton, TfGM head of programme management services, added: “When the Leigh-Salford-Manchester busway opens in 2015, we expect bus service journey times to be under 50 minutes, with minimal adverse impact on other road traffic.”

The 14 mile bus priority route from Leigh into the heart of Manchester city centre also includes a 4.5 mile guided busway between Leigh and Ellenbrook in Salford. Construction work started on the busway last month.

A park and ride with around 250 spaces is planned beneath the M60/M61 with access from the A580. The British Telecom work is expected to be completed within 20 weeks, by March 2014. The lane closures will remain in place for the duration of the work. Access to all properties and businesses will be maintained during the works.