Months of roadworks and closures announced on one of Greater Manchester's busiest routes

Drivers and commuters on one of the busiest routes in Greater Manchester face months of crippling roadworks and closures in the New Year.

A lower speed limit will be in place along a stretch of the A580 East Lancashire Road, which connects Salford and Manchester with Wigan and Liverpool, together with full nightly closures around a junction.

Works will take place at the busy Lancaster Road and Worsley Road junctions from Monday, January 8. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said the project is due for completion next summer, 2024. It's part of the Salford Bolton Network Improvements (SBNI) programme.

READ MORE: 'It’s horrible out here... we moved as people were smoking spice' - Waking up on on the streets of Manchester on Christmas Day

READ MORE: The best Boxing Day walks in and around Greater Manchester

The works, which are being delivered in partnership between TfGM and Salford Council, are designed to improve bus reliability and ease congestion through the upgrade of traffic signals and an extension of the left turn lane on Lancaster Road. They will also improve accessibility through a new controlled crossing, TfGM said.

Work will take place Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6pm. and on Saturdays between 8am and 1pm.

TfGM said that to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, the works affecting traffic will be carried out between the following hours:

A spokesman said: "Drivers are being urged to take care while travelling, allowing extra time for journeys if they are travelling by car or bus.

"Notices will be placed on local bus stops for more information about any temporary bus stop relocation or bus route diversions required during the works.

"A number of temporary left turn and right turn bans will be