ROUTES across Bolton will never be free from roadworks.

Highways chiefs say the level of disruption drivers currently face on Bolton's roads is never likely to ease.

In Bolton today there are 98 roadwork schemes, 18 road closures and six diversions which must be navigated by motorists.

Highways chiefs say 36 of the schemes will cause direct traffic disruption.

Around 23 are also in the pipeline for completion before next March -- including a series of projects along sections of St Peters Way.

Of the 98 roadwork schemes, Bolton Council are currently responsible for seven. Utility, telecommunication and private companies are working on the rest. And as reported in the BEN, a £2.6 million plan to strengthen seven bridges seems set to disrupt drivers for three years.

Bolton Council's assistant director of highways and engineering, Jeff Layer, said: "There is never going to be a time when there are no roadworks in Bolton -- it is never going to happen." Latest figures show a quarter of roads in Bolton need repairs -- more than any other town in Greater Manchester. But highways chiefs have £14 million to spend on road and bridge repairs this year and next.

Today the Bolton Evening News reveals the true extent to which roadworks plague local motorists.

Our study shows roadworks almost triple the time it takes to reach Bolton town centre from five major routes.

And starting on Friday we will to publish a complete list of roadworks each week to inform readers of the worst hit areas.