VIDEO: Work underway in town centre as Bolton prepares for Ironman 2016

Contractors are busy rolling out the red carpet and victory arch in Le Mans Crescent that will greet competitors on Sunday, July 15.

Children will also complete a course around Victoria Square during the Ironkids event tomorrow, Saturday, July 16.

The gruelling Ironman 2016 triathlon will involve a 2.4-mile swim of Pennington Flash, a 112-mile cycle ride, and a marathon – finishing in Le Mans Crescent where packed crowds will be able to watch on from the roadside and temporary seating.

There will be numerous road closures throughout the event.

From 1am on Friday, July 15 to noon on Monday, July 18 vehicles will not be able to enter or exit Le Mans Crescent from Deansgate or Ashburner St.

Knowsley Street to Deansgate will be closed for Ironkids from 6am to 1pm and 9am to midnight for Ironman.

Roads will also be closed on Sunday, July 17 in the west of Bolton for the Ironman triathlon, which involves a 2.4-mile swim in Pennington Flash, a 112-mile cycle ride, and a marathon.

Due to the cycling route, some roads in Westhoughton will be closed from 6am to 9.30am, including Platt Lane from North Road to Park Road.

From 6am to 5.30pm, Chorley New Road will also be closed from Beaumont Road to De Havilland Way to allow competitors to pass through safely.

Chorley New Road will be closed from 10.30am to midnight for the marathon, from Beaumont Road to the junction with St George’s Road and Chorley Old Road. Marshals will be present to allow access for emergency services, residents, and businesses.

Shoppers are advised that Middlebrook Retail Park will be open as usual. Some diversions will be in place via De Havilland Way and Mansell Way between 6am and 5.30pm.

For more on the course route and a map of road closures, click here