Future transport proposals for Oldham to be discussed

Oldham

Councillors are set to discuss plans and proposals which will look at potential improvements to Oldham’s transport infrastructure and our links with other boroughs over the coming years.

On Monday Cabinet will be asked to endorse a five-year Greater Manchester Delivery Plan (2020-2025) and approve an Oldham Local Implementation Plan.

The Delivery Plan sets out the practical actions planned, over the next 5 years and fits with the overall Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 – a document that sets out a vision for the region to have ‘world class connections that support long-term, sustainable economic growth and access to opportunity for all’.

The Council say the local plan includes details of scheduled work plus measures to support social distancing as part of the Covid-19 recovery.

These include Bee Network improvements around Chadderton and better connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists to Royton Town Centre.

Waterloo Street and Wellington Street bridges will also be refurbished and improvements will be made at Mills Hill Station by Network Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester.

The report also highlights longer term proposals we aim to make the case for investment in over the next five years. These include a new Metrolink stop at Cop Road, accessibility improvements at Greenfield Station and refurbishment of Manchester Street Viaduct.

We’ll also look to develop and investigate plans that have been mooted in the past – such as an Oldham-Middleton Metrolink extension and redeveloping Oldham Mumps Interchange.  The Plan also sets out ideas that could be looked at beyond the five year Plan such as extending Metrolink to Royton.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Culture said: “As part of our planning to recover from the pandemic and create more jobs and homes it’s clear that we must have a delivery plan in place to guide the future of transport in Oldham.

“Our proposed plan sets out a well-connected borough offering residents, workers and visitors a great place to live, work and visit.

“Just to be clear, apart from the scheduled works some of these are suggested schemes and proposals. Some require a lot of investigatory work before they can even worked up into viable propositions.

“What is clear though is Oldham Council is committed to making it easier for people to get around and access jobs and services they need.”

A full consultation was undertaken on the draft Delivery Plan for 2020-2025 last year, the Plan has been updated and members are recommended to endorse the final version along with the refreshed Greater Manchester Transport Strategy.