On the right track: new link road improves train station access

The new link road means easier access to the train station's park and ride

A new link road - the Lincoln Street link - connecting Oldham Road and Rochdale Railway Station has opened.

The road gives easier access to the railway station and car park from the south, and will reduce traffic congestion around Drake Street and the main station entrance.

It also makes land in the immediate area more accessible and attractive to investors. There are plans to create new industrial units close to the site, and a planning application for new housing development on the brownfield land is also expected to be submitted in the next few weeks.

The link road is one of many improvements which are planned for the railway station; designs are being worked on for a new station entrance and increasing capacity at the rail users’ car park in Miall Street.

Rochdale is now connected directly to Manchester’s Oxford Road, following the recent opening of the Ordsall Chord which links Manchester Victoria and Manchester Piccadilly. When new timetables are released later this year, Rochdale will have an hourly express rail service to Manchester Airport via Piccadilly.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for regeneration at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This link road will improve our already fantastic transport links and its completion is an important part of the council’s regeneration plans for the wider station area. The link road will be a catalyst for even more investment in this important gateway.”