The closure of a busy road has raised concerns for those living in the two areas connected by the road.
Vista Road is a busy B-road linking Newton-le-Willows and Haydock - because of the road's close proximity to both the M6 and East Lancashire Road, many commuters exiting and entering the busy carriageways will use Vista Road. With the road closed for maintenance works- concerns have arisen for those living in Newton-le-Willows.
One commuter who travels to work in Wigan from Newton-le-Willows believes the closure will cause "chaos". They told the ECHO: "I think it could be bedlam.
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"The traffic can be bad enough through Newton at busy times and Vista Road is used by a lot of drivers to get into Haydock and Wigan. I can see it being gridlocked trying to get home with cars all the way up Crow Lane."
Another driver described their worries about getting around the town while the roadworks are in place, they said: "I don't live too far from Vista Road and so I think I might struggle to even get off my driveway in the evening."
The closure is set to be in effect from early December 5, and the council claim it will last for around two days- however the St Helens Council website states that delays are likely up to December 9. Buses will be diverted during this time.
The purpose of the road closure is for "Highway Repair and Maintenance Works". A spokesperson for St Helens Council told the ECHO that from December 6, temporary traffic lights will be in place, rather than a full closure.
They said: "The closure on Vista Rd has been due to repair work being carried out on the main carriageway. In addition United Utilities have also been repairing a leak within the road closure area.
"The road closure itself has been during off peak periods only between 9.30am and 3.30pm and should run until today only we understand, Dec 6. The rest of the resurfacing/ repair work will be completed using temporary traffic signals."
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