TRAFFIC schemes are set to bring misery to motorists in Astley Bridge, Kearsley and Horwich -- and major delays are expected.

Transco will start a three-week scheme next week to repair a gas main in Winter Hey Lane from the junction of Lee Lane for 120 metres. Temporary traffic lights will operate.

Off-peak Transco work is also continuing in Brownlow Road, near the junction with Lee Lane. The project is likely to finish within a week.

A Norweb scheme to repair a mains fault in Blackburn Road, Astley Bridge -- between Crompton Way and Belmont Road -- will hit motorists on Sunday, February 17. The northbound inside lane from Bolton to Blackburn will be closed in the day-long project.

In Kearsley, a Bolton Council scheme to resurface a section of Albert Road, from Longcauseway to Glynn Lane and Plodder Lane, will start at the end of the month. Temporary traffic lights will operate.

Bolton Council says major delays are expected in all the schemes.

Drivers in Astley Bridge have been warned they face heavy delays tomorrow as BT continues work to renew 230 metres of main over a bridge along Eagley Way from Hough Lane. Temporary traffic lights will operate throughout the day. The whole project is expected to be completed by Monday, February 18.