Tram works update

TRACKS are being laid at Mumps junction of Oldham Way and Lees Road

METROLINK chiefs say the temporary Oldham Mumps stop is “substantially complete” - but there is still no date for the opening.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says the route from Manchester is making “good progress” as Oldham town centre suffers an unprecedented level of roadworks. Some tram testing has occurred.

A TfGM spokeswoman said: “Inevitably, a construction project in a busy town centre will cause some disruption, but we are doing our best to reduce this as much as we can and we are grateful for the patience and understanding of residents, businesses and motorists.”

Metrolink bosses say a main reason why chunks of Union Street have been closed in both directions is because big waste-water maintenance shafts - up to 25ft across - have had to be created.

Oldhamers can expect trams to run to the temporary stop at Mumps some time in 2012, with the line throughj Union Street expected in 2014.