BT is installing a new chamber under the carriageway at Ring Way, closing one lane travelling southbound.

But the works are causing misery for motorists and have thrown the bus timetable into disarray as drivers struggle to get out of the bus station and then attempt to enter the bus lane at the junction with Friargate.

Traffic heading into the city centre is being backed up as far as Preston Prison during the morning rush hour.

One regular commuter from the bus station said: "It is taking buses 20 minutes just to get out of the station and buses can't run to timetable properly. People have appointments to keep.

"I've seen two 68s running back to Preston behind each other when they are supposed to run 10 minutes apart."

Peter Bell, managing director of Preston Bus, said his firm was severely affected at peak times.

He said: "If it takes 20 minutes to get out of the station it means we are running 20 minutes late. Chances are we will end up missing out services."

A BT spokesman said that emergency repairs were being carried out to a manhole and added: "There were safety implications, which is why we closed the lane and put the traffic signals in."

The work is due to be complete by the weekend.

County highways officials are now looking at extending the bus lane and changing the lights to make it easier for buses to turn right into Friargate.




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