WORK to improve Farnworth's road network could begin in the next few years after transport bosses revealed plans for a multi-million pound project in the area.

The work is part of the £40 million Bolton to Salford corridor project from Transport for Greater Manchester.

It is aimed at improving accessibility to Farnworth and reducing traffic congestion and delays for everyone within the Bolton to Salford corridor.

As part of the scheme, there will be improvements to Manchester Road between Farnworth and Bolton town centre, Market Street and King Street in Farnworth town centre and the A666 between Farnworth and Kearsley.

The potential developments outlined include re-designing junctions in Manchester Road, redesigning the Farnworth bus station and improving junction layouts on the A666.

Work could start on this scheme as early as autumn and the programme of works will be delivered over a period of time through to 2020 as scheme proposals are finalised.

The Bolton - Salford corridor project is one of 12 transport projects which is being run as part of a £341m county-wide transport programme.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “We want to improve travel for everyone along the Bolton to Salford corridor and help local town centres and communities along the route thrive by making travel by car, bus, bike and on foot easier, quicker, safer and more reliable.

“We are working closely with Bolton and Salford councils to develop a targeted programme of transport solutions that will make best use of this funding in areas where it will be of most benefit – including long-term improvements to gateways to growing town centres such as Farnworth, Bolton, Walkden and Swinton.

“The improvements will benefit all road users, and we particularly expect them to help bus operators deliver high quality bus services within this area.

“Once we have developed proposals we will be consulting with local communities over the summer, which will allow us to secure the necessary approvals from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.”