Short term disruption for a brighter future
RESIDENTS are facing 12 weeks of disruption as extensive work is carried out on Manchester Road.
Work is being carried out to give a major facelift to the road, at the junction with Roe Lane, Hartwood Road, and Leyland Road. Roadworks began on Monday and are due to last for 12 weeks, during which time the four way junction will be reduced to single lane traffic.
Nearby residents and businesses have been contacted by Dowhigh Limited, the company responsible for the refurbishment.
According to the company, there will also be a road closure starting from May 2, which is scheduled to last for around 17 days.
The works being carried out will include:
Traffic signal improvements at the junction; New footways; Bus stop upgrade - wider island; Road resurfacing; Lib Dem councillors who represent the area have welcomed the improvement works, particularly at a time when the council is so cash-strapped generally.
Councillor Sue McGuire, Leader of the Lib Dem group, called for an urgent meeting with council officers to discuss the initial proposals which included the introduction of parking restrictions on Manchester Road.
Cllr McGuire explained “I’m delighted that the council listened to the concerns of both businesses and residents and removed the planned parking restrictions. The new plan will benefit everyone in the area and will help to define this area as a unique retail community.”
Dukes ward councillor Tony Dawson commented that this was a great example of cross party working saying he was pleased that his fellow ward councillors also supported the revised proposals.
Councillor Bil Welsh said the Zetland Street pedestrian island improvement should make it much easier for residents from Hartwood Road and beyond to get to the Manchester Road shops while Councilor Pat Keith concluded: “As with all major work, there will be temporary disruption to traffic.
“But at the end, the new pedestrian phases in the Roe Lane/Leyland Road lights will make crossing at this junction significantly safer.”