Roadworks on A666 Blackburn Road cause 'chaos' for residents

Residents in Astley Bridge and Bromley Cross as well as Egerton say the works are causing delays of more than an hour

Susan Pilkington, who lives in Egerton contacted the Bolton News, stating the works are causing chaos and have caused her to miss an appointment.

She said: “I am at a loss where to complain about the absolute chaos on Blackburn Road.  

“I left home at 8.50am and I tried for 25 minutes to travel from Briggs Fold Road, Egerton to the traffic lights at Dunscar.

“After the lights changed four times without my moving, I turned round and went back home, resulting in me missing an appointment.

Resurfacing works cause 'chaos' and delays for residents (Image: Newsquest)

“It is total gridlock in a morning, I am fortunate that I am retired however people trying to get to work it is impossible.  

“Yesterday I had again to abandon trying to get to Astley Bridge and no doubt tomorrow will be the same.

“How can only one lane be open and temporary traffic lights be in place for the major road in and out of Bolton?  

“My understanding was that all works were being done at night only in order that people can get to and from work.”

Cllr John Walsh said he understands the frustrations from residents as he has also been stuck in traffic trying to get into the town centre.

He said: “I fully understand the concerns from the residents.

" I have sat in the traffic on more than one occasion, so I fully understand the frustrations.

"I have asked engineers if in fact there is anything that can be done to try to ease the problems.

“One of the problems being caused which I have witnessed is that there are selfish motorists out of frustration who are blocking exits so for example traffic turning right out of Crompton Way onto Blackburn Road are forcing their way through but then blocking traffic trying to travel south towards town and therefore lights change, and nothing happens.

“And because you have got temporary lights which are not co-ordinated, it does add to the delays and frustration.

"I am totally sympathetic, and I can understand fully why it is that motorists and residents are so upset about it.

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“I have asked council engineers if we can be more authoritative with the contractors to make sure they have got adequate staffing and keep traffic moving.

“One of the questions I have been asked is why can’t the work be done at night, for those people who don’t live on Blackburn Road or in the immediate area, that might seem reasonable but actually if you lived there, the problems would be night-time working would be very disturbing to sleep and that is not really acceptable.

“So, for that reason, night-time working has been ruled out as a feasible option.

“I have spelt out the concerns and it is not satisfactory at the moment.

"I fully accept that and I will be arguing on behalf of residents with contractors through the council that something needs to be done to make life easier.”

In an email from Highways sent to a resident, which was shared on social media, said: “Unfortunately the current resurfacing works which immediately followed the junction works have caused significant delays with traffic flow.

“Also, the freezing temperatures we experienced just before Christmas and again this week have made it impossible to finish the resurfacing required at the junction, as this particular section needs to be completed overnight due to the impact it would have on traffic and this is when temperatures are at their lowest.

“Once this work can take placed then the relining of the junction can be carried out which should significantly improve traffic flow.

“We are hoping this work will be carried out at the end of this month, weather permitting, but we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience these essential works are causing in the meantime.”

Roadworks on Blackburn Road started last April.

The scheme to improve the junction is designed toreduce congestion and improve safety as well as provide better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

The scheme value is £1.0m and is funded by the GM Growth Deal Fund.