The Oldham Way flyover was due to be closed for six and a half weeks over the school holidays, but reports now confirm the works could take further 8–10 weeks.
With King Street still closed following the building collapse, the combined impact is putting huge pressure on Oldham’s roads and making journeys harder for residents, businesses and bus passengers.
I’ve written to the Council to ask what is being done to minimise the impact of the extended closure and for action.
I’ve raised issues with King Street previously and am doing so again for the building to be made safe and the road reopened at the earliest opportunity where it is safe and practical to do so. If the owner cannot act with more urgency, the Council should consider carrying out the necessary works and recovering the costs.
We also need a proper review of the other road closures, temporary traffic lights and roadworks across the town. Where roads such as Middleton Road, Ashton Road and Chadderton Way are already carrying increased traffic, further roadworks including temporary traffic lights and closure on surrounding adjoining roads are only making matters worse. Unless they are urgent safety works they should be held off until the pressure is eased.
Some disruption is unavoidable when major works and safety issues have to be dealt with.
See my letter in full below:
Jim McMahon OBE MP 