All change at Mumps

TRAMS plan: the new layout. The green part is the newly-built section.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

MOTORISTS are being warned to expect major changes when the historic Mumps roundabout is transformed into a traffic-light controlled junction at the weekend.

Sunday will see huge alterations to the layout to make way for the trams as transport bosses strive to make the area a new gateway to the town.

Traffic-signalled link roads will replace the roundabout — as the site moves towards becoming the nucleus for Metrolink in Oldham — accommodating the future tram station, integrated Park and Ride, and bus facilities.

Drivers will face major highway changes to their journey — which includes not being able to access the bottom end of Yorkshire Street as it will form part of an extended construction area.

A new link road called Prince Street will come into fruition between Oldham Way and Union Street/Yorkshire Street. Junctions with traffic signals will be put into place between Oldham Way, Lees Road and Bottom o’th’ Moor (Huddersfield Road).

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for housing, transport and regeneration, urged drivers and commuters to study the new layout before the switch-over on Sunday morning.

He said: “We recognise the sheer scale of these on-going works has meant frustrating times for motorists in recent months. Mumps is the major traffic junction in and around Oldham town centre and although signs will help to guide traffic I’d also urge motorists to please try and familiarise yourself with these changes before they start.

“We appreciate your patience and have listened to concerns about signage, which we are reviewing and improving daily in response to what drivers and local businesses are telling us.

“We’re also doing whatever we can, wherever possible, to ease congestion — especially in the run-up to the vital Christmas and New-Year trading period.

“The end of the Mumps roundabout, and the opening of the new link road into the town centre from Oldham Way, are a major part of our plans to remodel this area and redefine it as a new gateway into Oldham.”

The site was once home to the Mumps railway bridge, which stood proud for around 150 years.

The iconic landmark was knocked down last year.

Trams, instead of trains, will soon roll through the area as a temporary Oldham Mumps Metrolink stop opens in spring, 2012, next to Oldham Way.

Trams will then start to cross Mumps junction in the summer when they will use the former loop line to Rochdale.

Transport chiefs from Oldham Council and Transport for Greater Manchester state this arrangement will then remain in place until a new route becomes operational in 2014.

Bus stops currently at Mumps heading in the direction of Oldham town centre will be closed until further notice.

Passengers normally using these routes are urged to use the next set of stops along Union Street (towards the town centre) outside the Link Centre and the Furniture Gallery.

Stops serving buses travelling in the opposite direction will not be affected.

The layout of traffic arrangements can be viewed online at www.oldham.gov.uk where Metrolink updates can also be seen.

Overnight work to make changes at Mumps — and open the new link road — will start at 10pm on Saturday and continue until around 7am on Sunday.