Roadworks set to start again

ROYTON roadworks which were halted when they caused gridlock in the winter start again on Wednesday.

Oldham Council apologised and suspended the road and pavement resurfacing on the A663 Shaw Road in December after complaints from drivers and residents.

Bad weather, a one-way diversionary route and nearby overrunning roadworks caused traffic chaos at Shaw’s Big Lamp roundabout and along roads into Oldham.

The work is due to resume between Albion Gardens and Cowlishaw Lane on March 16 and run for approximately 16 weeks.

Rather than on-going diversions, temporary traffic lights will be in place both ways between 9.30am and 3.30pm on weekdays only.

Towards the end of the work full closures of Shaw Road will take place on Sundays only. Diversions will be clearly signed and publicised nearer the time.

The work is part of Oldham council’s four-year, £10 million highways investment programme.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for regeneration and environment, said: “This is important work to a busy road and key access route into the borough.

“The work on Shaw Road was postponed due to the severe winter weather and we are also mindful of the local disruption that the one way diversionary works were causing"

"We have reviewed the traffic arrangements and undertaken further assessment to minimise the disruption which is an unfortunate yet unavoidable consequence of undertaking the essential works."

For updates on roadworks across the borough visit www.oldham.gov.uk/transport_streets_1/roads_highways_pavements/roadworks.htm