A multi-million pound bid to tackle congestion on one of the borough's busiest roads will bring huge benefits to residents and businesses, the leader of Bolton Council Cllr Martyn Cox has said.

And he said doing nothing will lead to a significant increase in congestion to the 'point where all junctions will soon exceed capacity'.

Bolton Council's bid for Levelling Up funding is to improve the flow of traffic on De Havilland Way and make it safer for all road users.

The junction is major artery for residents of Horwich, Blackrod and Westhoughton and Cllr Cox said proposed works aim to reduce journey times and encourage more active travel.

And he stressed that the scheme addressed the concerns residents put forward during a public consultation including dropping plans to making a road one way.

The junction has been identified as in need of improvement as it suffers from major congestion at peak times and, without intervention, he says traffic build up in the area will significantly increase to the point where all junctions will soon exceed capacity.

Plans include putting traffic signals at four junctions along the route while maintaining two-way traffic along Austin's Lane, which town hall chiefs say would benefit all road users.

All the signalled junctions would be linked in order to control traffic flows and reduce congestion along the entire road.

The proposed improvements are said to also make the route more user-friendly for pedestrians and cyclists by separating them from road traffic, making it safer for all users.

The scheme also means, said Cllr Cox, that those using public transport for work will be able to rely on a more punctual service due to less congestion.

Major employers in the area have given their backing to the improvement scheme.

Bolton Council leader Cllr Martyn Cox said: "The improvement works to De Havilland Way will be a huge benefit to the residents of Horwich, Blackrod and Westhoughton to aid their journey to and from work.

"Without the interventions the traffic congestion at peak times will only increase, and this is something no wants.

"We also realise other improvements may be required, such as a new junction 7 on the M61. We are looking to work with our local MPs, Lancashire County Council and Chorley Council, in their efforts to to convince National Highways that a new junction 7 should be built as soon as possible.

"We are satisfied these improvements will go towards to vastly improved experience for all and are confident the scheme addresses the concerns residents have expressed during public consultation events. 

"Initial plans to make Austin's Lane one way have been dropped from the final draft after consultation with residents and will remain two-way."

"It's vital we try to make use of Levelling Up fund to improve the quality of our road infrastructure that improves everyday life across the country.

"The £4.8 billion will support town centre redevelopment in the UK. The funding is allocated for specific projects such as transport, regeneration or maintaining heritage assets."