MAJOR disruption is expected as a £1.6 million scheme to improve travel along Bury's busy Bolton Road route has started.

The work on the A58 will begin at Ainsworth Road and progress southwards along Bolton Road. It will include the creation of a quality bus corridor between Bolton and Bury, following a major consultation last year asking for the views of local people on travel along the A58.

The improvements will also include pedestrian crossings and traffic lights at the junction of Bolton Road/Ainsworth Road.

Michael Renshaw, projects director for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), said: "We consulted with local people to help us draw up this scheme, which aims to improve travel for bus passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and car drivers.

"While there is always some temporary inconvenience with work of this nature, I'm sure everyone will welcome the long-term benefits, both speeding up bus journeys and improving safety for all road users."

Bury Council is contributing almost £100,000 of its local safety scheme funds to the project.

The local authority is warning that widening Bolton Road over the next few months is likely to cause the most disruption, with brief closures of some side roads plus occasional narrowing of lanes. Residents will be kept informed throughout the project. Most disruption is expected to come in the first phase which runs until December. The entire project, which is being co-ordinated by GMPTE, Bury Council and Government Office North West, is likely to be completed by next summer.