BOLTON’S long-awaited £48 million transport interchange will open this weekend.

The first bus will set off from new town centre facility shortly after 6am on Sunday, following years of building work on the site.

The interchange, the largest of its kind in Greater Manchester, is a replacement for the long-standing Moor Lane bus station, which will close at midnight the previous night.

Among the modern facilities on offer at the transport hub are large screens displaying passenger information near the entrance and in the main concourse area, as well as smaller screens at each of the 23 bus stands.

It is hoped that information on train services as well as buses will be shown on the screens in future, part of an overarching plan to provide better integration between the town’s public transport.

The interchange is connected to the adjacent railway station by the stunning ‘skylink’ bridge, which was lifted into place in four stages earlier this year.

Transport bosses say that the interchange, which also has free Wi-Fi, will provide a lighter, brighter, and safer environment for passengers.

Along with public toilets and baby changing facilities, the centre has been carefully designed to be fully accessible, with level or ramped flooring throughout and enhanced ‘Changing Places’ facilities.

Metroshuttle, a free bus serving Crompton Place shopping centre, Market Place shopping centre and Topp Way car park, will also operate out of Bolton Interchange.

The first bus to leave the new station will be the number 36, which begins its journey to Manchester at 6.15am on Sunday.

During a test run of the facility last week, volunteers tested all aspects of the modern facility — including walking routes to the interchange, the ticket office, and lifts.

Cllr Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “The successful trial last week brings us closer to the opening of this new facility, which will provide passengers with better travel information, waiting and ticketing facilities in a light, bright and safe environment.

“I’m looking forward to September 3 when the interchange opens to the public.”

In order to reduce traffic congestion around the interchange, Bolton Council has changed access to the site along Great Moor Street.

The new bus lane — which will operate from St Patrick’s Church towards Bradshawgate — on the town centre road will come into effect once the interchange opens.

For information on the revised bus service timetables running from the interchange, visit tfgm.com/bolton-interchange

Information is also available at the Moor Lane bus station.