Drake Street diversion for Metrolink works

From 4 January the lower half of Drake Street will be one-way for traffic whilst work is carried out in preparation for Metrolink coming to Rochdale town centre.

Traffic will be able to travel up Drake Street from the town centre, but for traffic coming down Drake Street a diversion will operate with traffic being redirected along Molesworth Street.

The diversion and one-way system will be in place for approximately four months whilst utility companies re-route their services away from the route of the tram lines. Drake Street businesses will be open as usual.

Also from 4 January, Maclure Road will close to traffic for approximately three months from its junction with Richard Street to its junction with Station Road. There will still be access to properties on Maclure Road and again businesses will be open as usual.

Andy Zuntz, Executive Director at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We expect trams to be running to Maclure Road in spring 2012 and to the town centre in 2014. A great deal of work needs to be done to enable that to happen and it will of course cause some disruption for businesses and commuters.

“Throughout the entire programme of works we are committed to minimising disruption and so far we have achieved a great deal of co-ordination and co-operation between the utilities companies, minimising the amount of time that people will be affected.

“We will keep everyone informed of what is happening so those impacted are aware of any changes well in advance.”

Work to bring Metrolink to Rochdale got underway around the train station in October. 14 miles of track are to be laid between Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale and there will be 16 stations.

The stops currently proposed within the borough are Newhey Railway Station, Milnrow Railway Station, Newbold on Kingsway (adjacent to Morrisons), Maclure Road near Rochdale railway station, Drake Street and Smith Street in the town centre. Funding and approval are being sought for a stop at Kingsway Business Park.

Mr Zuntz, added: “Bringing Metrolink to the borough will support regeneration, give people easier access to jobs, reduce traffic congestion and support the transformation of Rochdale town centre.

“We are working closely with GMPTE to make sure Metrolink arrives on time in 2012, the same year the new customer service centre, library and council offices will be completed on Smith Street and the new leisure centre on Entwisle Road opens. It’s also the International Year of Co-operation so we’re expecting thousands of visitors to come to Rochdale throughout the year to visit the Toad Lane Pioneers Museum, which is currently being transformed and is due to re-open at the end of 2011.” 

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