Drivers will face more delays in October on the A580 East Lancashire Road when engineers lay a new gas main under the road.
The National Grid says it will start work to replace a 230 metre section of gas main in Chaddock Lane, near the Astley Industrial Estate in Leigh between the junction with the East Lancashire Road and Chaddock Hall.
For the first three weeks, temporary traffic lights will be in operation.
These will be manned at peak times to keep traffic moving.
Work will start on Thursday 1 October and could take up to five weeks to complete.
Two further weeks of work could be necessary once this is finished, which will involve a two-week closure of the A580 bound lane of Chaddock Lane.
Drivers are already facing rush-hour delays because of work ongoing to complete the controversial £60 million Leigh Guided Busway.
Transport for Greater Manchester says the scheme, which links Leigh and Manchester city centre, will reduce rush-hour delays, but has been heavily criticised for the ongoing works delays throughout the project.
Works are thought to be nine to ten months behind schedule after “uncharted utilities” underground caused setbacks.
4.5 miles of guided busway between Leigh and Ellenbrook are now expected to be completed by spring 2016.
National Grid contractors say they will work seven days a week to install the gas main.
Stephen Murray, Head of Contract West said: “We have been planning this work for some time. Last year, we decided to postpone it, rather than cause further frustration to local residents who were already affected by the work on the guided bus lane.
“We now need to do the work to make sure that the people of Leigh can continue to count on a reliable gas supply. We’re replacing a section of old metal main with a modern type of plastic pipe which will last at least 80 years once it is in the ground.
“We know that we are asking a lot when we urge people to be patient with us. We are well aware of the issues which have been caused by work on the bus lane in the past.
“We’ll do everything in our power to get our job done as quickly as possible. We will man the traffic lights at peak times and we will be working seven days a week. We’ve already been talking to local people and business owners so that they know what to expect and we will keep them posted if our plans change.
“We’re keeping a close eye on the work and will do all we can to speed it up if we can do so safely. We hope that people will understand that a few weeks of work will allow us to guarantee them a safe and reliable gas supply for many decades to come.”
Anyone with questions about the work can call 0161 703 1000.
Main image: By Cllr Iain Lindley via iainlindley.co.uk
