EMERCENCY roadworks that caused rush hour traffic chaos on Folds Road this morning could continue for up to four days.

United Utilities began digging up the road at Tonge Bridge last night after reports that a water main was leaking.

Temporary traffic lights were set up which caused major disruption for drivers heading into town on Friday morning.

Long traffic queues coming into Bolton, stretching  three miles from the direction of Bromley Cross, Bradshaw and Harwood resulted, with delays for motorists of up to two hours.

A spokesman for United Utilities said that, because of the cold weather and the effect a water leak could have on the condition of the road, the emergency repair was given a high priority.

"Safety was paramount," he said.

He added that the water main also needed to be isolated to ensure water supplies were maintained to Bolton town centre.

Several drivers, stuck in the lengthy queues, were critical that no workmen were at the site carrying out repairs as they struggled to get to work in the rush hour.

But the United Utilities spokesman stressed that equipment and resources need to be organised to arrive on site.

"Just because there is nobody there does not mean nothing is being done," he said.

"We apologise for the delays and work will be completed as soon as possible."

The company has been given until Tuesday next week to finish the repair and return the carriageway to normal, but hopes the work will be completed sooner.