COMMUTERS faced delays travelling home after a main route out of Bolton was closed for more than seven hours because of a gas leak.

The busy junction at Lea Gate, Harwood, was closed to traffic as emergency repairs were carried out on a broken gas pipe last night.

The road closure caused lengthy tailbacks for drivers who faced long detours during the rush hour.

Transco workers were at the scene from 1pm after contractors installing an underground water pipe are understood to have accidentally damaged a gas main.

Police set up road blocks and diverted traffic, with drivers travelling either through Affetside or Breightmet to get home.

The Lea Gate junction of Bradshaw Road and Bolton Road, was closed until 7pm.

Transco dug up the road to carry out temporary work and said that they will be returning to carry out full repairs next week.

Workers made the mains safe and did not think it necessary to evacuate nearby homes. Gas supplies continued to operate as normal.