A road in Farnworth has partially reopened after weeks of closure because of emergency bridge repairs.
Egerton Street, which is one-way from Farnworth heading towards Bolton, has now reopened to single lane traffic.
It means that motorists travelling towards Bolton through Moses Gate, or heading to Little Lever, will still be diverted along Francis Street but will now be able to continue towards Bolton by turning right onto Egerton Street.
Bolton Council has agreed the move with Network Rail in an attempt to help drivers who have had to take long detours due to the work on the railway bridge at Moses Gate.
The bridge has been closed since it was damaged by a burst water main on August 17. Network Rail is carrying out the structural work to stabilise the bridge and rebuild the roads above the bridge.
They have said that the roads will not fully reopen until early next year although it is hoped Bolton Road will reopen in both directions with lane restrictions by the end of this year.
Highways bosses say that although it is good news for drivers, there are bound to be delays because only one lane of the road will be open to traffic and it will be very busy.
Cllr David Chadwick, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “There have been very few alternative options available to route traffic around, and reopening one lane of Egerton Street is good news, as it means that vehicles will be able to go from Farnworth to Moses Gate, Little Lever and into Bolton without having to take a longer detour.
“We have been working with Network Rail on trying to put something in place that will make things a little bit easier for motorists, and all those who live and work nearby.
“We understand how frustrating it has been for motorists and businesses in that area, but we are being assured that the work is being done as quickly as possible and it is a very complex emergency engineering project.
“People should still be prepared for delays in that area as there is bound to be a lot of traffic heading northwards along Egerton Street. We would like to thank everyone for being patient during what we appreciate has been and continues to be a disruptive time.”
Heading towards Farnworth from Bolton along Manchester Road/Bolton Road will still not be possible as the road remains closed until further notice.