Seven-week roadworks have lasted 13

Seven weeks - and then some: Roadworks at Lees

THERE may finally be light at the end of the tunnel for long-suffering motorists in Lees.

Roadworks that started on April 28 should have lasted seven weeks but now, 13 weeks later, one side of Oldham Road is still closed and traffic is controlled by temporary lights.

One angry motorist said: ““It’s eased a little bit now the school’s have finished for the summer but it’s taken almost as twice as long as we expected. It really adds time to your journey.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “The council is aware that the works at County End, Lees, are taking longer than expected.

“This is due to underground obstructions found when excavating the drainage system, causing the road to collapse and a number of houses to be flooded.

“Work is continuing to fix the problem and to reopen the road as soon as possible.

“We expect that the road surface will be replaced and the footpath reopened by the end of next week.

“We understand that this prolonged work is causing problems for residents and we apologise that this essential work is taking longer than planned.”