TRAFFIC chaos is on the way for motorists in the centre of Bolton.

Drivers are being warned to avoid a major stretch of road in the town as workmen start a seven-week project.

Derby Street and St Helens Road will be resurfaced between High Street and Deane Church Lane as part of a £552,000 council project to improve road maintenance across Bolton.

The traffic lights at the junction on Derby Street and High Street will also be improved to include a pedestrian crossing facility.

The new crossing being built will replace the existing pedestrian crossing near 286 Derby Street.

Work is scheduled to finish on February 1, 2015 depending on the weather conditions, and council bosses have committed to carrying out the bulk of the improvements after Christmas and during off-peak hours.

However, they warned while the roads will stay open, at certain times it will be necessary to use temporary traffic signals and close lanes temporarily.

A council spokesman said the authority would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused to residents and road users and, where possible, motorists are being advised to find alternative routes.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Councillor David Chadwick, added that the road is in need of improvement and thanked motorists for their cooperation.

Cllr Chadwick said: “We’ve resurfaced large sections of these key roads before but this is a section we’ve not done previously and it is in significant need of improvement.

“While every effort will be made to minimise disruption, I would like to thank residents, motorists and businesses for their patience and co-operation, and apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works.”

The scheme is being funded from capital investment which can only be used for one-off schemes and not on council services.

For more information contact the council’s customer helpline on 01204 336677 or e-mail highways@bolton.gov.uk.