Unwelcome return to road chaos

Photo: Darren Robinson

CHAOS on the bypass on the exit from the roundabout at Sainsbury's (right). All traffic was channelled on to the bypass. Traffic was also backed up into the store's main entrance way and filling station.

DRIVERS were stuck in major traffic jams once again yesterday as work started to divert a watermain yesterday.

United Utilities is diverting the water main which runs along Union Street to Emmott Way - the main access to Sainsbury’s store - in preparation for the new Metrolink line.

Drivers will be unable to drive into Waterloo Street from Emmott Way until September 2, though access is currently possible in the other direction.

Traffic along Oldham Way to Mumps, wasn’t alerted to the closure in advance, — meaning a huge build-up on roads leading into the Sainsbury’s mini- roundabout, and store entrance road.

Road-closed signs pushed vehicles on to the bypass, which was reduced to one lane, causing major tailbacks.

A council spokesman said yesterday: “There was an unexpectedly high level of traffic on Oldham Way. We are considering extra measures that can be taken tomorrow to avoid this recurring.”


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