Drivers in Oldham are set to face more traffic chaos as works to fix a key flyover could take another 10 weeks. The Manchester Street Viaduct, a flyover next to Oldham town centre, has been closed for refurbishment as part of £6.5m works due to finish in December 2026. The project is being funded through a mix of Oldham council and Department for Transport funding and has seen part of the A62 completely closed since July.
Delays beyond initial September target
Town hall bosses initially said the work on the flyover could be finished by September 3. The council has now said the road reopening could be delayed by up to 10 weeks. The news will further irate drivers who have faced daily traffic jams and congestion with the flyover being closed. Things are thought to be being made worse by the closure of King Street over safety concerns, following a building collapse earlier this year.
Council explains extended timeline
In a post on September 4, Oldham council said: “Contractors have confirmed that the extensive repairs to the flyover bridge are going to need more time that originally planned due to the severity and significant amount of works needed.”
“They were planning to complete the works within the window, but the works have been too extensive. This means the temporary road closures and traffic arrangements will need to stay in place longer than planned as the essential works continue for another 8 -10 weeks.”
“The current closure is needed for essential concrete repairs, waterproofing and resurfacing, keeping the flyover safe, reliable and in use for years to come.”
“Once the flyover works are completed, then wider refurbishment works to the A62 Oldham Way/Manchester Street roundabout need to be completed therefore traffic management will have to remain in place to support safe traffic movements and construction areas until spring in the new year.”
Diversions and current closure date
They added: “Signed diversions are in place via the Manchester Street and King Street roundabouts, with separate routes for HGVs.”
“Please allow extra time for your journey and plan ahead where possible. We’d like to thank residents and road users for their continued patience and understanding while these important works are carried out to help ensure the long-term resilience and safety of the structure.”
According to transport analytics website Inrix, the road is currently expected to be closed for works until September 25. This is unchanged since the beginning of August.
