Frustrated drivers have blasted transport chiefs after roadworks on Regent Road caused traffic chaos in the city centre.

Work began on the Manchester and Salford inner relief road last week, but motorists say the delays increased on Friday after the closures were extended and the roads were busier after children returned to school this week.

Some drivers said it took them more than two hours to complete journeys, while commuters travelling by bus said their journey times doubled.

The longest delays were reported at the junction of Rochdale Road and the Mancunian Way, with drivers queuing for 66 minutes.

There were also tailbacks on Oldham Road, Trinity Way, Dawson Street, the M602 and Regent Road.

On Friday morning transport bosses added further lane closures up to Oldfield Road, near to Sainsbury’s.

They tweeted: “Further lane closures have been implemented on Regent Road in both directions from the junction of Oldfield Road to the junction of Trinity Way/Dawson Street.

“This is as part of the MSIRR works. Please allow extra time for your journey.”

Commuters are being advised to avoid the area if possible, use park and ride services as well as public transport.

Some angry drivers caught up in the queues have questioned transport chiefs decision to launch the works during the Autumn when roads are busier.

Sue Haymes wrote on Facebook: “These roadworks should have been rolled out in July. It doesn’t help that it’s raining and some people don’t like driving in the rain and also the poor public transport systems which are making people turn to using their own transport more and more.”

Janet Wolstenholme said: “How are people expected to get to work/school/college? Why isn’t this being done later at night so it doesn’t cause as much disruption?”

Another social media user posted: “Absolute joke this, local people are getting so p***ed off with this now, we can’t get anywhere in reasonable time anymore. Something needs to be done fast but what?”

Chris O’Connor said: “Why don’t they do this at this night time like they do on motorways, this route is the most used route from Manchester to Salford and is worst on a normal day.

“It’s also a connection to Salford Royal and emergency services struggle to get through as it is, who ever plans this needs a rethink because it will cause a death.”

A bus user said: “USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT?! I am a bus user and waited 45 minutes for a bus this morning, so how can this help anyone?”

Back in August Coun Angeliki Stogia, executive member for environment, planning and transport at Manchester council, said: “These works will deliver real and lasting improvements to this busy route which will benefit drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.

“There is unfortunately no way to deliver such major works without them involving some measure of frustration and inconvenience for drivers in the short term. We’d encourage people to plan ahead where possible to minimise, or even avoid, impact on their journeys.

“But this scheme is specifically designed to reduce congestion and delays once completed, helping people get around quicker.

“That is why we and Salford council are working together to grasp the nettle now.”

A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said: “The £15m project is a joint scheme between Manchester and Salford City Councils, with TfGM providing travel advice and customer information

“The improvement works taking place on Regent Road have been communicated for a number of weeks through the media, social media, outside advertising and radio broadcasts.

“On Thursday night the full traffic management plan was implemented by Manchester City Council, meaning that Regent Road is now operating with one lane in each direction.

“As expected this caused significant and long delays during the morning peak on Friday.

“We are advising all road users to follow our travel advice which is available on www.tfgm.com but essentially we are asking that drivers consider their journey times, allow much longer than usual for their commute, consider alternative routes, even if that means going in an opposite direction around the M60 and wherever possible use public transport.”