Bury Bridge roadworks begin as motorists warned of closures

The work which includes resurfacing of the carriageway at Jubilee Way, Bolton Street and Crostons Road is expected to last until Sunday, August 7. 

Yesterday evening, motorists faced congestion in the town centre as road closures were put in place at 8pm.

One driver said: "The diversion signs were not clear.

"Drivers were doing U-turns trying to get out of the town centre. In the end motorists ended up going through Market Street, which is I think prohibited to general traffic.

"I will be avoiding Bury town centre for a while, it took me almost an hour to get home, when it should take no longer than 20 minutes, and that is on a bad day."

Bury Council has warned that the complex nature of Bury Bridge Junction means it will be forced to close various sections of the highway throughout different stages of the work and that diversions will be in place.

While the work will take place during the night between 8pm and 3am, the council have assured drivers that a route across the bridge will always be available in both directions.

The council also confirmed that pedestrian access to affected areas will be maintained and access to properties and businesses will be maintained where possible.

Announcing the plans last month, Cllr Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations admitted that disruption would be “inevitable.”

He said: “We’re putting a tremendous amount of money behind improving the roads in our borough; our budget this year included provision for £10 million to improve highways and road safety, in the third phase of a £30m programme.

"The £30m is borrowed money, due to the shortfall in finance from the Government to the tune of £4m per year.

“Bury Bridge is one of our biggest and busiest junctions – used by 60,000 vehicles a day - so these works will make a real improvement.

"There will inevitably be some disruption, but by doing the work at night we hope to keep this to a minimum.”