Metrolink building problems to be minimised

EVERY effort will be made to ensure that disruption caused by the arrival of Oldham’s Metrolink line is kept to a minimum.

Three new stops will be created at Union Street West, Union Street and Mumps for when trams start to run through the town centre from 2014.

Members of Oldham Town Centre Partnership have approved a series of proposals designed to make the process easier for motorists, businesses and shoppers.

GMPTE has stated that only minor work will be carried out until January to allow for the busy Christmas period and the demolition of the remaining half of Mumps Bridge is scheduled for early next year.

The council and Town Centre Partnership recently received a £52,631 government grant aimed at helping the town through the economic downturn and this funding will be used to minimise disruption during the Metrolink construction process.

Proposals include improved signage along key routes to inform motorists what is going on and the expected length of delay, helpers at key points to keep members of the public informed and a dedicated and regularly updated website. The plan also includes making environmental improvements, such as plants and decorations, along construction hoardings.

Plans for the Manchester Road section of track have recently been altered and it is proposed that trams will now run over the roundabout rather than underneath the road.

Trams will then run through a cutting before passing under John Street and then on to King Street.

At the Manchester Street roundabout, new plans include traffic signals, pedestrian and cycle facilities and a link road for vehicles to turn right on to Oldham Way.

People can view a detailed plan of the route at Oldham Sixth Form College today from 4-7pm and on Monday from 4-7pm.