TROUBLED Lea Gate will be open by Monday -- weather permitting.

Motorists and traders in Harwood are celebrating news that the final stage of roadworks will be conducted on Sunday along a stretch near Tottington Road.

The news means the much-criticised scheme has been completed nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.

Highways chiefs say Transco, who requested Bolton Council to close the road, were able to relay gas pipes quicker and easier than workmen first expected.

Traders, who claimed roadworks were affecting their profits and long diversions confusing potential shoppers, are delighted with the news.

Joan Berry, owner of Labels for Less, said: "I am sure that I speak for all traders in Lea Gate when I say this is excellent news.

"My profits have been hit and I want everyone to know that it will be business as usual in Lea Gate.

"My message to everyone is 'you can come and shop here once again.'"

A spokesman for Bolton Council confirmed Sunday would be the final day of roadworks.

The only possible delay will come if there is heavy rain on Sunday.

The spokesman said: "We will be topping off a section of the road surface near the junction with Tottington Road.

"The original plan was scheduled for five weeks so we are ahead of schedule.

"The road will be open in both directions by Monday.

Elsewhere, Transco work has ended this week in Regent Road, Lostock, and two North-west water schemes in Blackrod, James Street and Mansell Way, are due to finish on Monday.

MOTORISTS are expected to face delays next week in:

Turton: Road resurfacing work starts on Monday for 10 days in Turton Road from Bradshaw Brow to Chapeltown Road. Work will start after morning rush hour.

Tonge: Calvin Street is due to reopen next week after sewer connections.

Bolton Central: High levels of disruption are expected in Chorley Street/White Lion Brow until September 9 due to sewer connections. Diversions will operate. Transco work will continue until mid-September in Bridgeman Place and footway resurfacing in Blackhorse Street until October. Motorists will still be affected by work in Nelson Square and Church Wharf subway. Lane closures still run on St Peter's Way.

Kearsley: Transco will start laying gas mains in Oakes Street. Work continues in Market Street and Ringley Road.

Blackrod: Work continues at the Tesco site in Mansell Way, causing road closures. Work continues in James Street near Crown Lane until October.

United Utilities work ended in Chorley Road, Westhoughton this week.