Delays expected as flyover FINALLY to receive crucial works
Oldham’s Manchester Street Viaduct will undergo £6.5m structural repairs from May to November after decades of neglect, causing months of anticipated traffic disruption.
Major Delays Expected as Oldham Flyover Receives First Maintenance Since 1970s
Oldham motorists face months of disruption as crucial repair work finally begins on the deteriorating Manchester Street Viaduct at the end of May, with works expected to run until November. The concrete flyover, which spans the A62 Oldham Way roundabout, has remained untouched since its construction five decades ago despite mounting structural problems.
A 2023 report revealed the elevated road suffers from water seepage through its joints, concrete cracking, reinforcement corrosion and contaminated concrete. The £6.5 million project, first announced three years ago, will see waterproofing, joint replacements, concrete repairs, parapet refurbishment and resurfacing carried out to extend the structure’s lifespan to 120 years.
The Department for Transport has contributed £4.5 million from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, with Oldham Council providing the remaining £2 million. Council officers insist the works are “phased in such a way to minimise disruption to local businesses and residents.”
Local drivers have expressed concerns about potential traffic chaos. Joel Brayford warned: “With the correct traffic management in place, disruption could be reduced to a minimum. However, based on the previous traffic management arrangements that were put in place during the investigation works, I am not so sure.” Others fear the project could mirror the troubled Wellington Bridge works, which overran by seven months and caused more than two years of traffic complications.
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