Greater Manchester town that's already faced 22 months of roadworks set for more delays on busy stretch

Drivers in Oldham will have to endure another three months of roadworks around the borough’s busiest thoroughfare, according to Oldham Council. Oldham Way has already seen 22 months of refurbishment works but the final stretch of work won’t be completed until September. 

The works are part of a scheme to ‘rejuvenate’ Oldham’s major roads and flyovers, with refurbishments on Wellington Bridge now completed. While Oldham Way itself is now open, Waterloo Street remains closed between Rhodes Bank and Woodstock Street.

A statement issued by Oldham Council said: “This once in a generation major refurbishment project has taken longer than we estimated because the bridges were found to be in a very poor state when work started. 

“The internal metal structures were found to be very badly corroded and required more repairs than we anticipated. Once complete, this investment will provide safe and convenient routes for several decades.”  We apologise for the delays and understand the frustration of residents and motorists.” 

The £4.5m project was initially due to be completed within 18 months. Now it looks as though it will take more than two years, with costs estimated to have risen.