Costco Broadway Bottlenecks

Like most people I think Costco has been a great addition to Chadderton, it saves a visit to Trafford for members and its success is clear from the vast number of visitors, especially around paydays (mid and end of month) and special holidays.

But there’s no doubt that with that comes long queues which can block junctions and create tailbacks as far as the already clogged Semple Way. Add on top of that the rush to save on topping up has been expanded to the Costco Petrol filling station, and adding to queuing times including for its customers.

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀

Broadway is part of the national highway network, like the motorway, and is maintained by National Highways rather than Oldham Council. It can make matters more complicated when trying to get improvements moved on.

At long last good news is on the way with a scheme to improve capacity and safety at junction 21 of the M60/A663 Broadway, which is expected to help reduce congestion and make the Costco/Long Lane junction easier to navigate. In addition to improving safety for drivers, the plans will also enhance walking and cycling infrastructure in the area.

The proposals include increasing capacity at the junction, which will allow traffic signals to be adjusted to provide more green time for vehicles to exit the Costco junction. This should help ease the queuing problem.

𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀

Although the funding for the project is still to be confirmed, the scheme is part of the government’s Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), with a delivery window expected between 2026 and 2031. In the meantime, we have made representations to the Chadderton Town Board to use available government funding to explore solutions to ease the current issues.

Discussions with Costco are also ongoing, with National Highways pushing them to take responsibility for mitigating the impact of their petrol filling station on the surrounding road network.

I think most people would agree that the long term answer is a second exit so those leaving the petrol station and looking to exit onto Broadway can do so without tailing through the car park and then being forced to a single exit point.

Updates will continue to be provided as further details emerge on the scheme’s progress.