WORK on a £532,000 scheme to improve a major junction will start next week.

The first phase of a major project at the key junction of Manchester Road and Green Lane is due to begin on Monday, January 9.

The scheme is aiming to provide increased capacity at junctions, improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Drivers are being warned to expect significant disruption while the work is carried out.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Cllr Elaine Sherrington, said: “When this scheme is finished it will help with traffic flow at a key town centre junction. The work is likely to cause some inconvenience and we would like to apologise in advance for any disruption caused to residents and road users.”

As part of the project, the traffic signals will be upgraded, the position of traffic islands will be changed, and the junction will be resurfaced.

The Green Lane project is expected to take four months to complete and will be followed by further improvements at nearby junctions.

The main junction will remain open to traffic other than when resurfacing is taking place, which may involve some closures. In an effort to minimise disruption and to keep traffic moving, the resurfacing work will only take place on Sundays throughout March, and diversions will be signposted.

Temporary traffic signals may also be in operation while the scheme is underway for the safety of motorists and workers on site and drivers are warned that delays will be likely.

Cllr Andrew Fender, chairman of the TfGM Committee, added: “This is a necessary upgrade programme for what is a key junction in the road network. Drivers and cyclists, as well as people using public transport, will benefit.”

Motorists are also reminded that overnight resurfacing on a section of Manchester Road will also start on January 9. Manchester Road southbound from its junction with Green Lane to its junction with Smith’s Road will be fully resurfaced.

The work will be carried out from 8pm until 6am, between January 9 and 22.