WORK on the final section of an £850,000 project to ease congestion at a key commuter junction will take place over the next two weekends.

Resurfacing work at the junction of Raikes Lane and Manchester Road will be carried out tomorrow an Sunday and again on November 5 and 6.

Drivers are warned to expect delays during the two weekends — the junction will remain open at all times but temporary traffic lights will be in operation for the safety of motorists and workers on site.

The scheme to improve the junction started in June and is aimed at increasing the number of cars that can pass through what is one of the busiest commuter routes in the borough.

Council bosses hope the work — which has included the creation of a dedicated left turn from Manchester Road and upgrading traffic signals in the area — will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. There will also be help for those who do not drive to work — with new pedestrian crossings and cyclist facilities at the junction.

Cllr Elaine Sherrington, Bolton Council’s cabinet member for Highways, said: “The scheme is nearing completion now, and when it is finished it will help with traffic flow and be easier to get on to Raikes Lane. Work has been underway since June on carrying out different parts of the project. The traffic signals are being upgraded and a dedicated left turn lane into Raikes Lane is also being introduced.

“The resurfacing work is likely to cause inconvenience and we would like to apologise in advance for any disruption caused to residents and road users.”

Access to the Raikes Lane Recycling Centre will be maintained and residents and businesses will be able to get to their properties during the remaining work.

The work is funded by the Greater Manchester Local Growth Deal and delivered by the council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) as part of the Salford Bolton Network Improvement Programme, to make the transport network more efficient.

Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “When the works are complete, drivers and cyclists, as well as people using public transport and pedestrians, will benefit from a more efficient road junction and a much improved road surface. Improvements like these at key points in the road network make a positive difference to all journeys.”