THE closure of part of Bradshawgate caused traffic chaos for shoppers in Bolton town centre at the weekend.

Traffic was backed up in almost every street around the main shopping area on Saturday as drivers became increasingly frustrated.

cars queued in Crown Street in an effort to get in and out of the multi-storey car park, which w

Motorists queued up in Bow Street as far as St George's Street as some motorists tried to cut through Deansgate to get on to Bradshawgate.

Dozens of cars ignored diversion signs and caused gridlock at the top of Bradshawgate as they were forced to turn round because of the roadworks. The closure is expected to be in place for around four weeks while a replacement gas main is installed.

Around 45 yards of the road is closed from the junction with Deansgate.

The work has also caused delays for motorists at the junction of Churchgate and Bradshawgate, where traffic light signals have been affected. Diversions are in place to help the flow of traffic.