Relief as Townhead junction work set to start

Townhead Junction

Drivers have expressed relief as works to fix Townhead Junction are set to start next Monday (4 April)

A right turn facility will be installed, introducing a filter to enable drivers to turn right from Yorkshire Street onto Whitworth Road without having to wait for oncoming traffic to clear.

A large number of accidents have taken place on the junction since its reopening in November last year, prompting motorists and members of the council to call for urgent action.

Steve Reay, highways services manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Rochdale Highways Service has been instructed to install a right turn traffic signal arrow for vehicles using the Townhead junction wishing to turn right from Yorkshire Street into Whitworth Road.

"To minimise disruption to road users it is intended to undertake the works during the Easter school holiday period when traffic flows are usually lighter. The proposed start date for the works on site is Monday 4 April 2016. The works are expected to take a week to complete and will require some off-peak lane closures between 9:30am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.”

The project follows major works at the junction, which links John Street, Yorkshire Street, Whitworth Road and St Mary’s Gate, last year. The changes increased capacity and cut waiting times at the key Rochdale town centre site.

During the latest phase of work, which is expected to be complete by Sunday 10 April, lane closures will be in place on Yorkshire Street and St Mary’s Gate in both directions. To minimise disruption, all work will take place between 9.30am and 3.30pm and closures will be restricted to certain lanes, meaning access will be maintained at all times.

Whitworth Road will also be closed northbound for a short period of time during the morning of Sunday 10 April and a diversion route will be put in place.

The new traffic signals will operational from Monday 11 April and signs will be placed on the approach to the junction to let drivers know about the changes.