Preston's bus service has been thrown into chaos, with huge traffic jams now clogging the streets as roadworks choke the city centre.
Bus operators report rows of up to 11 buses queuing nose-to-tail on Fishergate in the city centre, unable to turn onto Ring Way, where major roadworks are causing huge delays.
Work on an improved pedestrian crossing on Friargate, at the junction with Ring Way, started on August 14 and is expected to last until November 18.
The ongoing work means temporary lane closures have been put in place on Ring Way between 9.30am and 3pm, as well as some evenings, in an attempt to minimise rush hour disruption.
But Peter Bell, managing director of Preston Bus, said it has seriously affected services.
He said: "It has been going on for weeks and I have had people saying to me several times that there are 11 buses on Fishergate.
"They just cannot get back out onto Ring Way.
"We have been running 15 minutes later each departure. People are getting frustrated – they don't always understand what causes it.
"If you are stuck at Penwortham you do not know necessarily why.
"In the morning peak it is not too bad but at other times – half
past two on a Friday, for example, town is very busy."
Aidan Turner-Bishop from the Campaign for Better Transport, said: "Sometimes they are running 15 to 30 minutes late. It is having a knock-on effect throughout the system.
"When they do these things they could think about having better signposted diversions. They should be a bit more proactive about it.
"Stick a notice and say do not even think about driving down Ring Way on these days."
When the work is complete, pedestrians will be able to cross Ring Way to Friargate in one go, rather than being forced to wait in the middle of the road.
It is also hoped the granite crossing will boost trade, particularly in Friargate Brow.
A spokesman for Lancashire County Council, said: "The contract currently on site started mid-August and is due to complete on November 18.
"The objective is to re-signalise the junction as part of the Civitas works. In doing so, we will be removing some of the street furniture and providing a more compact but open junction.
"This will involve re-alignment of kerbs, modifications to pedestrian crossings and provision of new granite paving. We apologise for any inconvenience."
>> Vote in our latest web poll>> Have your say on our special traffic and travel rantline
The full article contains 433 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
