TWO busy road bridges are set to get £500,000 facelifts -- but it will leave drivers facing lengthy delays.

work to improve Eagley Brook Bridge over Crompton Way in Astley Bridge is due to start later this month and drivers have been warned to expect long delays.

The road is one of the busiest routes into and out of Bolton town centre and Bolton Council's highways chiefs say lane closures will hit drivers in both directions.

The £300,000 scheme will see waist-high pedestrian railings replaced with metal and timber safety fencing in accordance with Government guidelines.

Minor repairs will also be conducted to strengthen the bridge's steelwork. It is also due to get a new coat of paint.

The scheme is expected to start on Monday, February 17 and last six weeks. Motorists can travel in and out of Bolton town centre via Blackburn Road as an alternative.

A £200,000 10-week scheme is also being undertaken to strengthen a section of the Mayor Street bridge over the River Croal in the Derbyarea of Bolton. Work will also start here on February 17.

Croal Road will be closed and temporary traffic lights will direct drivers on two Sundays as huge cranes are positioned. The exact dates are to be announced.

Roads around Spa Road can be used as alternative routes.

Both projects are part of a £2.6million Bolton Council commitment to strengthen and refurbish a series of council-owned bridges in Bolton this year.

Engineers will work on both projects at throughout the day. Astley Bridge councillor Stuart Lever said the refurbishment in Crompton Way would be a "nightmare" for drivers but welcomed the introduction of increased safety measures.

A Bolton Council spokesman said traffic planners would work to minimise disruption for motorists. He said: "Traffic will only go down to one lane in Crompton Way as it goes over the bridge. We expect it to flow after that.

"The scheme at the Mayor Street bridge is slightly larger and will require more strengthening work."

A series of bridge repair projects are also planned for next year with an increased budget of around £3.3million.