A long stretch of Atherleigh Way is set to reopen but another part of the road will be closed off as part of major roadworks.
A 1.7km section of the key A-Road through Atherton and Leigh has been partially shut to drivers for the last six weeks, creating long delays at rush hour and queues around the East Lancs Road.
It was the result of a £1m project to upgrade gas mains below the road so that hydrogen gas can be used as part of the network in future.
The first leg of this scheme is now completed, meaning the southbound stretch of Atherleigh Way will reopen but, from Tuesday, September 1, construction work now moves on to a second part of the road around the junction with Lovers Lane.
Temporary traffic lights will be in place at the junction and the closure will move gradually on to Lovers Lane as work continues into September and October.
Talila Marshall, who is leading the Leigh works for gas network manager Cadent, said: “This is a big project, in total around £1m of investment.
“I’m really pleased we’ve reached this critical point, on time, and are able to lift the lane closure on Atherleigh Way.
“Extreme winters like the recent ‘Beast from the East’ place huge demands on the gas network and this reinforcement puts us in a good place to make sure gas reaches every home and building that needs it for warmth.
“It will also ensure our network can safely carry greener gases in the future, such as hydrogen, which will have a big role in helping the UK on its journey to net zero carbon emissions.”
Nearly 90pc of homes in Leigh use gas for central heating. This new pipe, made of toughened plastic and 25cm in diameter, will help distribute gas to 4,500 properties.
When the project is completed there will be new pipe installed under Lovers Lane, Atherleigh Way and Kirkhall Lane.
