Astley Street in Tyldesley has shut completely for two weeks as work continues on the new Tyldesley Travel Hub. The road is closed in both directions near the Leigh Guided Busway until the middle of September, and drivers have been warned to expect delays.
The closure is needed to allow essential utility works as part of the new travel hub, which will add an extra 99 parking bays at the site. The aim is to address concerns from residents and local traders about on-street parking in the town centre. Buses are still running along the route, and the existing park and ride facility remains open.
Timing criticised as schools return
A letter from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to nearby residents said: “As part of the next phase of construction, Astley Street will be closed to vehicles immediately north of the guided busway from August 31 to September 14.”
Concerns have been raised about the disruption the closure is causing and why it is happening in the week children return to school. Councillor James Fish, who represents Tyldesley and Mosley Common, said: "I have made it clear that I am not happy with these works or the timing of this closure, particularly as it runs into the start of the new school term, when our local roads will already be considerably busier."
He added: "I have questioned why these works could not have been undertaken during the school summer holidays, which would have helped reduce the impact on residents, parents and those travelling to and from local schools. I have also requested that the traffic lights at the top of Astley Street are switched off to help maintain a continuous flow of traffic during the closure, while ensuring the pedestrian crossing remains fully operational and safe."
Fish said he has requested an urgent meeting with both TfGM and Wigan Council over what he believes are 'unnecessary' roadworks and 'the impact they are having and will continue to have on local residents'. He said: "Residents deserve proper consideration when works of this scale are planned, particularly when several projects and road closures are already causing disruption across Tyldesley. I will continue to raise these concerns and push for measures to minimise the disruption."
Hub to triple park and ride capacity
The hub will triple the capacity of park and ride facilities for the increasing number of people using the V buses. New electric vehicle (EV) chargers, cycle storage and parcel lockers are also being installed at the Astley Street stop. CCTV and lighting will be fitted to increase passenger safety, while a new office for busway staff means they will have more of a presence at the site.
The busway, launched almost a decade ago, is estimated to have reduced car journeys by more than 600,000 a year since 2017, with up to 25% of passengers having switched to bus travel. Since the launch of the Bee Network in 2023, which saw more V1 services introduced, the route has seen a 13.8% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers.
TfGM says the hub is part of its approach to make public transport 'more attractive' and reduce car use. Another travel hub is planned in Hindley.
Support and response
When work on the hub began in March, Leigh and Atherton MP Jo Platt said: "Improving public transport connectivity, access and reducing congestion has always been a priority for me, and this project marks a major step forward. The threefold increase in park and ride capacity will improve access to public transport, make journeys more convenient, and encourage more people to choose sustainable travel."
Councillor Paul Prescott, portfolio holder for planning, environmental services, and transport at Wigan Council, said: "Tyldesley Travel Hub is a significant development as it will not only encourage more usage of public transport - a major aim of the council - it will also help to reduce on street parking in and around Tyldesley town centre."
Responding to criticism over the closure, a TfGM spokesperson said: "The temporary closure of Astley Street is needed to safely carry out essential works on the new Tyldesley Travel Hub, which will make it easier for people to access the Bee Network and travel more sustainably. The new hub will provide more than three times the current park and ride capacity, alongside electric vehicle charging points, cycle parking, improved lighting and CCTV. We have carefully planned the works and are doing everything we can to minimise disruption while this work is carried out."
