MOTORISTS can expect more traffic chaos during a number of major roadworks across the borough.

Drivers reported severe delays through Bradshaw and Harwood last weekend, as the first phase of a £485,000 resurfacing scheme.

Those delays will become a recurring feature this summer, as further work is scheduled for every weekend until the end of August.

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I was trying to visit my grandparents at around noon on Saturday.

“There was a big queue of traffic when I got to Canon Slade School, and it was even worse when I got to The Crofters.

“From the traffic lights, it must have taken me 15 minutes just to go past the Conservative Club. It was a nightmare.”

Tottington Road will be closed between Back Longsight North and Lea Gate again on July 29 and 30.

Bolton Road and Lea Gate will be shut from Bradshaw Road to Tottington Road on August 5, 6, 12, and 13. Finally, Bradshaw Road will be shut from between Bolton Road and The Coppice on August 19, 20, 26 and 27.

Bradshaw councillor Mudasir Dean said: “What we have tried to do is to minimise the traffic problems for people living locally by holding the works back until the school holidays.

“We were adamant that this would be the best time to do it. This is a scheme we have been fighting for for a number of years. Not only are parts of the road being resurfaced, some parts are being completely rebuilt.

“The configuration of the traffic lights and the flow of traffic is going to change as well.

“That is why this is such an extensive programme and it is definitely something that is needed in the area. We apologise for the obstructions that the work is causing, but it is something that we need to do.”

The final week of major roadworks next to Bolton town centre’s new transport interchange is also taking place this week.

From today to Thursday Great Moor Street, from Soho Street to Bradshawgate, and Newport Street will close from 7pm to 6am.

Bradford Street, in the town centre, is being resurfaced between St Peter’s Way and Bury Road over the summer too.

Work also began yesterday to improve two busy junctions in Farnworth.

The £1.9 million improvement programme for the junctions of Manchester Road and Loxham Street, and Bolton Road and Egerton Street is expected to last six months.