One-way restrictions on Keswick Street causing traffic issues for Mayfield Sports Centre and residents

A one-way section of road on Keswick Street in Castleton is causing traffic issues for local residents and Mayfield Sports Centre.

Motorists can now only turn into Keswick Street from Manchester Road and not exit onto Manchester Road, which residents say is affecting larger vehicles as they can’t make the turns needed to access Manchester Road via Knoll Street and Nixon Street.

The small one-way section of Keswick Street between Manchester Road and Knoll Street means vehicles must now turn onto Knoll Street, before turning right onto Nixon Street to join Manchester Road.

The road layout has been changed due to the construction of the cycle lane on Manchester Road, which is nearing completion. It is understood that a new set of traffic lights at the Partington Street junction meant that a no right turn out of Keswick Street was considered but planners opted for the one-way system instead.

However, Keswick Street resident, Dave Foster, said that the new signage is causing problems for larger vehicles, which cannot make the turn into Knoll Street.

 

 

He said: “Due to the new road layout you can no longer exit Keswick Street onto Manchester Road as it's one-way. They expect vehicles to turn down Knoll Street, turn onto Nixon Street and join Manchester Road that way.

“The problem is that we have multiple coaches a week exiting Mayfield Rugby Club and the only way they can get out is by driving the wrong way down the one way as they won't fit down Knoll Street and can't make the turn at either end.

“This is the same for any large vehicle, coaches, removal trucks, deliveries, etc.”

He added: “I find it very strange that the council can put a road system in place that does not allow vehicles to legally exit an estate.”

The issue has been raised with Rochdale Borough Council which is looking at mitigation measures to Knoll Street. One suggestion includes making the street one-way from Keswick Street to Colwyn Street, whilst reducing the carriageway width to 4m.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “We’re aware of the issues which have been raised around traffic movements in this area and we’re looking at some mitigation measures to address these concerns.

“We’ll be updating residents on this soon.”

Mayfield declined to comment.