Works to lay a new gas main is causing a main road to be closed for six weeks.
The southbound carriageway on A579 Atherleigh Way closed on Sunday (July 19) and will remain shut until August 30.
The 50mph limit road, which acts as an important link between Atherton and Leigh, is closed between Lovers Lane and Kirkhall Lane.
Lowton-based company PGL Pipelines are carrying out the work on behalf of Cadent Gas.
In a letter, sent by PGL to local residents, a spokesman for the company described the work as 'essential'.
The letter, seen by MyWigan , reads: "Due to increased demand on the gas network in the area around Leigh, Atherton and Westhoughton, PGL Pipelines Ltd have been contracted by the gas network owner Cadent to lay a large diameter gas main between Leigh and Westhoughton.
"The work is essential to give certainty of supply over the coming years and take into account the large amount of development taking place in the area now and in the future.
"Advanced warning signs will shortly be placed at strategic points to inform the public of these works.
"The closure of Atherleigh Way is expected to be in place from Sunday 19 July until Sunday 30 August, this closure has been planned with the full consultation of the local authority and will coincide with the school holidays."
Wigan Council confirmed that the roadworks are not under their jurisdiction but advised that traffic would be diverted through Howe Bridge.
PGL said that once the work on Atherleigh Way has been completed, they will move onto the next phase on Lovers Lane.
The letter continued: "The two-way traffic system will return to Lovers Lane to complete the remainder of the works which is expected to be completed between Monday 31 August and Wednesday 30 September.
"These dates are approximate and may move due to operational requirements. During all works we will have a barrier system in place to protect both our workforce and the local residents.
"Your co-operation in managing access to the carriageway by the movement of vehicles parked in the public highway during these works would be greatly appreciated."
