Road closures set to lead to economic pain for local Uppermill businesses
Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 24 April 2025
The Uppermill road closure as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade takes place this weekend
The impending Uppermill road closure as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) will mean loss of earnings, so says famous bakers J W Buckley’s, and it will affect the local economy.
Graham Scholes, the family bakery owner, said: “Because we rely on summer trade and tourists coming into the village, the bank holiday weekends and weekend in general are our busy times.
“With with national insurance and wages going up plus electric costs we need to get funds in through our retail operation to pay our way.
“We employ 34 local people who rely on us to provide them with work.
“Has any impact assessment been made to loss of income when you close the road?”
In a letter to Mr Scholes, a Network Rail spokesman said: "We fully understand the concerns raised about the potential impact on local businesses, particularly over a bank holiday weekend, and appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete these key upgrades.
“The closures are required to facilitate track renewals on Saddleworth Viaduct, which involve the removal and replacement of ballast (railway stone), sleepers and rails.
“Given the nature of this work, the risk of falling materials from the viaduct means that a full road closure is required to ensure public safety.
"With the viaduct standing at 25 metres in some areas, any debris falling from this height poses a significant hazard.
“To carry out the work safely and efficiently, part of Uppermill High Street will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians from: 6:00 on Saturday 26 April until 11:00 on Sunday 27 April 2025.”
He added: "We fully appreciate the concerns you've raised around the upcoming road closures and the potential impact on local businesses, which is why we have taken measures to minimise the duration of the road closures.
“The closures are required while we carry out key upgrades as part of TRU.
"Unfortunately, to do this safely, the road and footpaths below must be closed.
"This approach ensures the safest and most efficient installation with the least disruption.”
Looking at the bigger picture, the letter added: "Our team anticipates work on Oldham Road bridge to begin in 2028 and work to provide electrification in the Uppermill/Greenfield area to start in 2029 until the early 2030s.
“However, a detailed schedule is still to be developed.
"Meanwhile, all required consents to enable the delivery of the works will be in place.
“We do appreciate your patience and cooperation as the work takes place.
"Once again, thanks for taking the time to raise this with us."
Buckley's will be opening as usual.
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