DRIVERS and bus passengers are being urged to plan ahead and allow more time for their journeys as essential sewer upgrade works get under way in Tyldesley.

Starting today, a one-way closure of the top section of Astley Street will be introduced to enable United Utilities to carry out the work.

It is scheduled to take two weeks to complete.

During that time a number of bus services, including the Vantage V2 from Atherton, the 33 and 695, will be diverted via Sale Lane.

United Utilities is carrying out the work during the summer holidays so that disruption to the community is minimised.

However it is likely that the surrounding routes will be busier than usual, particularly during the morning and evening peaks.

Adrian Worsfold, operations director at First Manchester, said: “We are working alongside our partners at Transport for Greater Manchester to inform customers about the changes to the V2 service while maintenance work by United Utilities goes ahead.

“We would advise customers to allow more time for their journey due to the diversion that will be in place.

“The Vantage V1 service between Leigh and Manchester city centre will be unaffected and will service the busway.

“But given the limited access from Tyldesley town centre to the busway, the Atherton V2 service won’t be able to serve stops at Hough Lane, Sale Lane and Astley Street.”

Drivers are advised to follow the signed diversions, while bus users can find out more about where the relocated stops will be on the Transport for Greater Manchester website.

Passenger information can also be found aboard buses and at bus stops.

For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.