Completion of Townhead junction improvements delayed until January 2016

Roadworks at Townhead junction

The completion of the improvements to Townhead junction will now not finish until January 2016 following a number of delays - the works were originally due to be completed by November 2015.

Local residents are beginning to get frustrated with the work, which started in June 2015, following a build-up of traffic congestion through the town.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/96331/townhead-junction-roadworks-to-commence-on-monday-22-june

One resident who contacted Rochdale Online said: “The traffic is awful at key times during the day. Whitworth Road has been closed since before the school holidays but nothing seems to have been done.”

Andrew Evans said: “This work is causing an absolute headache. There is endless congestion and I think Rochdale Council are immune to the whole thing. There is now endless congestion every morning and evening getting from Whitworth into the Rochdale area, or visa-versa, which is now regularly taking 45 minutes, particularly since the schools have returned. It is ridiculous. It is a nightmare.”

Roadworks at Townhead junction

Phase one of the work has been completed. This has seen the left turn lane widened from Whitworth Road into Yorkshire Street by setting the footpath back into the grass verge from just south of the Tanners Arms Pub.

Phase two of the work was due to be completed by the end of August with the roads re-opening to one lane of traffic. This work has now been delayed and is expected to continue until Friday 9 October. This phase involves the construction of new traffic islands at the bottom of Whitworth Road and at the top of John Street. Work will also include the removal and replacement of guardrails, traffic signals, bollards, kerbs and pedestrian crossing points.

Phase three of the project is now set to take place from Saturday 10 October 2015 until Saturday 2 January 2016. Whitworth Road and John Street will reopen during this phase and the remaining work will take place using temporary, four-way traffic signals.

Roadworks at Townhead junction

Rochdale Council has stated that delays with the work is due to working around National Grid gas mains.

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Working round a National Grid gas main that passes through the junction has caused delays during phase two of the junction improvements.

“We’re sorry for the delays but we are working hard to minimise disruption and will reopen lanes as soon as it is safe to do so.”