United Utilities have issued an apology to rush hour commuters following severe delays this morning on Newbrook Road.

Motorists experienced delays of up to 40 minutes on the A579 – Newbrook Road, Atherton,  as both ways remained partially blocked, due to emergency repairs taking place from across  Hulton Park.

(Image: Leah Collins) One disgruntled motorist told The Bolton News: "I've been stuck in traffic at Atherton trying to get into Bolton for about 40 minutes, it is not moving."

The road remained blocked both ways due to temporary traffic lights combined with a lane closure, which resulted in a backlog impacting traffic as far back as Atherton.

(Image: Leah Collins) Many motorists left the lengthy queue to  perform U-turns in the road.

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A spokesperson for United Utilities said: “We have a team carrying out repairs on Newbrook Road.

"It has been necessary to put traffic management in place to allow our team to complete the work safely.

(Image: Leah Collins) "We apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst the repairs take place, we are working hard to get this completed as quickly as possible."

It is currently unclear what the delays are for, although one repairman at the site cited 'drainage works' as the cause for the closure.

Earlier this year the utilities company unveiled details on a £38m investment into some of Bolton’s most scenic locations.

The project aims to help reduce the spills happening at Longsight Park and its arboretum.

Got a story? Email me at Leah.Collins@newsquest.co.uk