Drivers are complaining of 'nightmare' delays due to roadworks being carried out on both of a town's main roads at the same time. There are reports of long delays and queues, especially at rush hour, as motorists in Ramsbottom battle the traffic.
It's due to emergency repairs on a burst water pipe being carried out at the same time as planned work on a major borough-wide scheme to replace gas mains. But the unfortunate timing has meant drivers trying to get in and out of Ramsbottom and its surrounding villages have found themselves stuck in long queues due to temporary traffic lights on both Mancherster Road and Brandlesholme Road.
Writing on Facebook one motorist said: "Going from Peel Brow to Mcr centre yesterday morning, my sat nav calculated that it’d be quicker to drive to Haslingden Tescos roundabout and join bypass to Manchester as opposed to doing the 1 mile journey past Park Farm."
Read more:
Another posted: "I was stuck 40 min on the way to the work and then this evening I came via Bury which was equally nightmare!! It's awful at the moment.. No idea which way to go to work tomorrow am."
And another said: "I understand some of the road works will be essential/urgent whilst others will be less so. This poor planning has not quite locked the area down, but it has made it incredibly difficult for people to commute in, out and around the area and caused considerable inconvenience to many."
A Bury council spokesperson said the work on Brandlesholme Road was part of a major gas mains replacement scheme that is taking place throughout the borough, whereas the work on Manchester Road was an emergency repair by United Utilities to fix leaking pipes.
"That’s why they are taking place at the same time," he added. "We have requested the lights be manned at peak times and to fast-track the reinstatement."
A United Utilities spokesperson said the work was being carried out to 'renew one of our service pipes in the area'. They added: "We're expecting to be off site by Tuesday."
Cadent, which is carrying the Brandlesholme Road work, has been contacted for a comment. According to the Transport for Greater Manchester roadworks website, the work is due to finish on November 16.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Manchester Christmas Market stallholders defend BIG price hikes for sausages and booze at 2022 return
- Woman lured pal to house before her ex-boyfriend beat and robbed him at knifepoint
- Machete-wielding teen and his pal got into a brawl at JD Sports store packed with Christmas shoppers
- 'Inspirational' drummer 'made peace with death' before losing brain tumour battle aged 36
- Manchester trio unmasked as members of organised drugs gang - one stashed cocaine wraps up his bottom
