A notorious traffic problem in Littleborough has long been a source of frustration for locals. The town on the edge of Greater Manchester is idyllic on paper, with rolling hills, access to the splendid Hollingworth Lake and a 20-minute commute into Manchester via train. However, anyone who commutes in and out of the Rochdalian town by car will attest to the nightmarish road conditions. The situation worsens in summer when tourists flock to the lake.
Long-Awaited Relief Road
For decades, locals have been advocating for the A58 relief road, widely seen as the solution to their traffic woes. The relief road is understood to be a priority for Rochdale council, which is currently pursuing funding and working to unlock land for construction. Meanwhile, the council's Pennines Township Committee has agreed on works to improve junctions and traffic lights in the area, hoping to reduce congestion in the short term.
Short-Term Improvements
A study by council officers has outlined a "red route" along the A58, where waiting and loading would be restricted at certain times to prevent parked cars from causing congestion at pinch points. Upgrades to junctions, better signal coordination, tactile pavements, and bus stop improvements are also planned, with a target completion date of March 2027. The scheme is expected to provide more reliable bus journeys, reduced congestion and queuing, safer pedestrian crossings, improved access to jobs and services, and support for climate and air quality objectives.
Coun Richard Jackson, chair of Pennines Township, said: "I'm pleased to see the progress on the work going into fixing the problem and the commitment to the relief road. Like all residents of Littleborough, I would like to see these improvements coming faster, as until they are completed, residents will continue to suffer."
Housing Developments Add to Congestion
For locals, the sooner the traffic is addressed, the better, as more houses are being built in the area, adding to congestion. In November, Rochdale council's planning committee approved a 309-home scheme on Hollingworth Road, next to Hollingworth Lake, despite boos from the public. Similarly, a 199-home development on Smithy Bridge Road was approved in January, with a planning commitment to start the relief road after a certain number of houses were completed.
Residents have expressed strong opposition. Andrew Bowker noted: "There is only one road in and one road out. The traffic is bad enough now, and this will build things up even more. A lot of roadworks come on these roads, and it jams up continuously. This is Littleborough, it's a beautiful place, but my answer is no to these new homes. If there was another road, then okay maybe, but they're not planning another road currently, so it's just stupid."
Ann Bowker added: "We're lacking school places and it's difficult to get doctors appointments. No matter what people say, the powers that be tend to override them. I feel we don't get a say, we're at the mercy of developers. If we didn't have family here, we'd probably move away because of the traffic."
Rich Oddy, a local resident, commented: "Littleborough and the surrounding area have constant roadworks going on, and the traffic is just murder. Will a few hundred more houses make a difference? It will probably make it busier, but it's bad anyway. I'm not sure where another relief road can go. It's difficult because we need more homes. So it's about where you put them and how you put the infrastructure around it to accommodate the extra footfall."
Funding and Political Support
The 309-home development includes a financial contribution of £970,000 towards a feasibility study and subsequent infrastructure for the relief road. However, concrete plans to build the road are still pending. Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, said: "I'm glad that tackling congestion along the A58 is a major priority for the Council. Delivery of the relief road is essential, and I'm pleased to see this progressing through the local plans. I also welcome the technological interventions to traffic lights which will improve traffic flow. As a Littleborough resident, I know how frustrating traffic jams can be on this road; it's a major priority for me, and I'm glad the council are taking action."
