Drake Street to re-open for Christmas period

Drake Street is set to fully re-open ready the Christmas period.

Metrolink works saw the top part of Drake Street, from School Lane to Water Street restricted to one way traffic, this has now re-opened. The bottom stretch of the road between Water Street and Smith Street has been completely closed and is set to re-open at the end of the month.

However, the closure of Drake Street between Water Street and Smith Street is likely to be reinstated in the new year.

Transport for Greater Manchester has written to over 900 residents and traders with the news.

The letter reads: “The utilities diversions required as part of our works to build your new Metrolink extension are nearly complete. Gas and water services are currently still working on Drake Street, however we expect the majority of this work to be complete by late October.

“The next phase of works will be to begin construction on the track and infrastructure along the Rochdale town centre extension. This work will be carried out by our contractor, MPact-Thales consortium. The infrastructure construction stage will not begin until early January, which enables the removal of much of the traffic management around the Drake Street area over the Christmas period.”

The letter adds: “Loading and parking bays will be reinstated where possible. Current parking facilities around the Drake Street area will remain open over the Christmas period and onwards into 2012 when some traffic management will need to be reintroduced on Drake Street in order for construction to continue. We anticipate this will include the reinstatement of the road closure on Drake Street between Smith Street and Water Street.”

Ian Sandiford, from Sandifords, welcomed the news, and was keen to remind customers that the top stretch of the road has already re-opened.

Philip Buckley from Denis Hope, added: “Footfall has increased since Drake Street re-opened at the top and shoppers are much happier now they can park outside.”

Mr Buckley added: “Anything that makes getting around Rochdale easier is a benefit for retailers.”