A ROAD which has been closed for several weeks after a water burst damaged a bridge will partially reopen tomorrow.

Egerton Street has been closed to traffic since August 17, when the railway banking at Moses Gate collapsed and a hole appeared on the road above.

The street, which is one-way from Farnworth heading towards Bolton, will reopen to single lane traffic from lunchtime on Wednesday.

Bolton Council has agreed the move with Network Rail in an attempt to help drivers who have had to take long detours due to the work.

Network Rail is carrying out the structural work to stabilise the bridge and rebuild the roads above it.

Highways bosses say it is good news for drivers, but there will still be delays as only one lane of the road will be open.

Cllr David Chadwick, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “We understand how frustrating it has been for motorists and businesses in that area, but we are being assured that the work is being done as quickly as possible and it is a very complex emergency engineering project.

From lunchtime motorists travelling towards Bolton through Moses Gate, or heading to Little Lever, will still be diverted along Francis Street but will be able to continue towards Bolton by turning right onto Egerton Street.