A THIRD lane is being constructed on a Horwich road in a bid to cut future traffic levels.

Severe delays are expected for motorists as work is carried out to widen the westbound carriageway of De Havilland Way, which runs from Horwich to the M61.

An extra lane will be added between Lostock Lane and the Parklands roundabout by the Reebok Stadium, with work starting on the scheme next month.

The carriageway will be reduced to one lane on weekdays from Sunday evening to Friday evening for the duration of the project which is expected to take three months.

These restrictions will be lifted each weekend when the road will revert to two lanes.

Bolton Council say the work, which is expected to take three months, is necessary to improve bus services in the area after the addition of a new terminus at Parklands.

The extra lane will also help to alleviate increased traffic brought about by any possible expansion of the British Aerospace site.

Councillor Roger Hayes, Executive Member for Direct Services, said: "The extra lane is essential if we are to cope with future traffic levels and improve the bus route to the new terminus at Parklands.

"We apologise in advance to drivers for the inconvenience the work will cause in the short term and every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum."

The work will be carried out for Bolton Council by civil engineering contractors A.E. Yates Ltd who recently completed work on Beaumont Road.