Drake Street re-opens to traffic

Councillor Colin Lambert visits Drake Street

Drake Street has re-opened to traffic in time for the busy Christmas shopping period.

Sections of the road have been closed since January last year whilst work to bring Metrolink, the region’s premier light rail system, to Rochdale takes place.

Rochdale Borough Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert, welcomed the news: “It’s great to see traffic travelling up and down Drake Street again – and a very welcome boost for the traders as the whole road will be open throughout the busy Christmas period.

“Of course, the shops and businesses along Drake Street have remained open whilst the Metrolink works have been taking place and I would encourage everyone to come and take a look at the range of specialist and exclusive retailers that this part of the town centre has to offer.

“I would also like to remind people that there are a variety of independent food outlets on the street so Rochdale remains well served despite McDonald’s closing.”

Current parking facilities around Drake Street will remain open over the Christmas period and into 2012 when some traffic management will be reintroduced to allow construction of the Metrolink line to continue.