Drivers’ wrong turn in one-way road chaos
Reporter: Richard Hooton
Date published: 05 May 2011
JAM... A motorist drives the wrong way up Rhodes Bank as another car is forced to stop as it attempts to head the correct way along the one-way section
Accident fears over traffic confusion
ROADWORKS in preparation for Metrolink coming to Oldham have caused confusion and chaos for drivers.
Diversions have been set up after Prince Street was closed — a popular short cut leading to traffic lights near the former B and Q store at Mumps.
It resulted in baffled motorists driving the wrong way down one-way streets.
Confused by the diversion signs and unaware of the road network, they have unwittingly ended up driving the wrong way along Union Street and a section of Rhodes Bank — heading towards oncoming traffic.
Fears have been raised that poor signs and bewildered driving could result in an accident.
Work is ongoing around Mumps as utilities such as gas, water and electricity are moved and the roundabout removed to make way for tram tracks.
A new link road at the former B&Q car park will also be constructed to take drivers from the Oldham by-pass to Union Street.
Trams are set to run to Mumps station along the old rail route this autumn with the line to Rochdale opening next spring.
A town centre section will then replace the former Oldham loop line to take passengers along Union Street from spring 2014.
There will be a new Mumps station with about 250 park and ride spaces at the B&Q site and stops in Union Street, King Street and Westwood.
Transport for Greater Manchester was unable to respond before the Chronicle went to press.
