A HALF a million pound project to resurface a key road will begin this week.

Bolton Council has allocated £500,000 for the work — which will take place on a significant stretch of Chorley Old Road.

The scheme, which is part of the council’s borough-wide road maintenance programme, will begin on Tuesday and is expected to take until early August to complete.

The section of road that is being resurfaced stretches from the town centre at the junction with Chorley New Road up to Halliwell at the junction with Avenue Street.

The council said it would aim to minimise disruption during the two-month project — by having contractors carry out the majority of the work at off-peak times during weekdays.

The council’s executive cabinet member for environmental services, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “Chorley Old Road is a major route and it is in significant need of improvement.

“While every effort will be made to minimise disruption, this is a major road which is heavily used and we’d encourage people to plan ahead.

“I would like to thank residents, motorists and businesses in advance for their patience and co-operation, and apologise for any inconvenience this work will cause.”

The news that the section of road is being repaired has gone down well with businesses.

Vicky Lancaster works at Occasion Cakes in Chorley Old Road and said she has tries to avoid the area when delivering cakes because of the state of the road.

She said: “When I am trying to drive with a five-tier wedding cake in the back of the van, I have to do a different route because the road is in a terrible state and its really bumpy to drive over.

“There are some really bad potholes in that section, they are really terrible — it is about time something was done about the state it is in and I am really happy to hear they are doing this.

“It will definitely be good news for our business and for me because I deliver all the cakes.”

Alison Owen, of MS Wealth Management, which is also based in the affected area of Chorley Old Road agreed.

She said: “We would welcome the resurfacing of the road as long as there is not too much disruption while the work is going on.

“There are lots of bumps in the road and it is something that I think needs to be done — anything that improves the area where our business is based is a good thing.”

Chorley Old Road will remain open throughout the work but temporary traffic signals will be used at certain times.

While the temporary lights are in operation Gaskell Street will be closed at the junction with Chorley Old Road to traffic in both directions.

Park Street will also be closed at the junction with Chorley Old Road when repaving work is underway.

Signed diversions will be in place and, where possible, motorists are being advised to find alternative routes.

Residents and businesses will be able to access their properties during the work and have been informed of the plans.

The scheme is one of many in the council’s plan to improve the road networks in the borough.

Work is currently ongoing on a £409,000 project to improve a 530 metre stretch of Plodder Lane in Farnworth.