A major motorway will face three overnight closures lasting more than a month in total while safety features on a bridge are replaced. The M62 will be fully closed in both directions between junction 22 (Saddleworth) and junction 24, while another road will be closed for six months. National Highways said it had to close the motorway while it replaced an existing aluminium parapet on Scammonden Bridge with a new steel one. Scammonden Bridge carries Saddleworth Road (B6114) over the motorway. The closures will take place across three separate periods from May to August, and will last a total of 41 nights. The first closure will begin next month, from May 12 until May 27, then again on June 19
A large sinkhole has appeared on a busy street in Royton, which is currently allegedly being used as a rat-run. The sinkhole appeared on Wednesday (April 8) on Berkeley Drive, according to resident Mark Nicholls. Mr. Nicholls said: "There's nothing under the tarmac. Anything that goes around it, if it's close enough, it will just go under. The 50-year-old painter and decorator said it is particularly concerning as his road is a busy street, which has become even busier recently. The sinkhole appeared on a busy street (Image: Mark Nicholls) At the start of February, the nearby Sheepfoot Lane closed due to maintenance work.
National Highways will carry out essential repair works on Broad Lane bridge, which carries the B6194 over the M62 between junctions 20 and 21 near Oldham. The works will run from Tuesday April 7 to Sunday April 12, taking place mainly overnight between 8pm and 5am. Lane three of three will be closed in both directions while the hard shoulder remains open, maintaining three lanes each way. A 50mph speed limit with narrow lanes will be enforced. The works include concrete repairs to the bridge's central support, replacing sections of the central reservation safety barrier, resurfacing the carriageway in both directions, and refreshing road markings. Signed diversions will be in place and National Highways will attempt to minimise noise from the works.
A section of Footpath 272 (Chew Road) in Saddleworth will remain closed until September 30, 2026, or until United Utilities completes spillway improvement works, whichever comes first. The closure spans from the junction with Footpath 274 at Chew Brook to the junction with Footpath 270. Oldham Borough Council extended the temporary closure order on March 30 with Secretary of State consent. The path will be reopened outside working hours and at weekends whenever possible. Full details of the order are available at Spindles Oldham.
Oldham residents will see improved bus services later this year with more frequent journeys and new night buses. The 83 bus route linking Oldham, Failsworth, Hollinwood and Manchester city centre will get a new night service running Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Daytime, evening and weekend services will also become more frequent. These changes are part of wider Bee Network improvements across Greater Manchester following passenger feedback. The upgrades aim to help people commute, visit family and enjoy local amenities, with particular benefits for those working late or early shifts.
Mayor Andy Burnham has announced the return of 24-hour night bus services to Oldham, operating Thursday to Saturday on the 83 route between Oldham, Failsworth, Hollinwood and Manchester city centre. The service will also run more frequently during daytime, evening and weekends. These changes are part of 36 service improvements across Greater Manchester's 10 boroughs, marking the most significant bus network upgrade since local control began in January 2025. Subject to approval, the improvements will take effect in the 2026/27 financial year. The expansion includes new night bus services in Stockport, Tameside and Trafford, with completely new routes in Stockport, Ashton and Wigan, and increased connectivity to key employment and visitor destinations like the Trafford Centre.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced the removal of 9.30am bus pass restrictions for older and disabled people, effective March 1, 2026. The change follows successful trials in August and November 2025 that allowed around 400,000 residents to travel without time limits. Transport for Greater Manchester reported the policy helped spread demand and reduce overcrowding on early morning services. Saddleworth Parish Council unanimously welcomed the change, with councillors noting benefits for disabled students and residents who need to travel before 9.30am. The concessionary travel change was announced alongside frozen bus and tram fares until the end of 2026, including the £2 single Bee Network bus fare.