Bury New Road closed in both directions with council and United Utilities in dispute over who’s responsible

A major route remains closed to traffic in both directions after an underground ‘void’ was found across its full width. Bury New Road, near Clifton Road, close to the Rudy’s Pizza branch and the Railway and Naturalist pub, was closed off to all vehicles travelling in either direction on Tuesday afternoon.

An update has been provided by a Bury Council spokesperson: 

We are doing everything we can to resolve this problem as soon as possible.

Our initial investigations have shown a sewer pipe to be in disrepair, with multiple cracks and slippages along 22m of its length.

Road closure and diversion routes are clearly signed and in place until further notice. We ask motorists to avoid the area if possible for the time being and allow extra time for their travel.

“We are working with United Utilities to resolve the issue, and the road will remain closed for the next few days while investigations continue.”

Bury Council and United Utilities cannot say when the work will be complete. It is understood both the council and the utility company are in dispute over whose asset has caused the issues and so therefore who is responsible for repairs.

Bury Council have been on site after after earlier issues were reported on Wednesday, April 30 and on May 6 they said they had found underground gap across the full carriageway. Since then two-way traffic lights have been in operation as excavations and ground investigations took place.

It is understood those investigations found a 10 metre split in a pipe three metres underground running north to south. Sewage and water had leaked from the pipe leading to the full road closure.

The road is a major arterial commuter route taking traffic to the M60 and Whitefield and towards Manchester city centre On Wednesday morning the road and central Prestwich was eerily quiet.

Several vehicles, including a HGV, ignored clear ‘road closed’ signs further down Bury New Road and were forced to make u-turns after finally realising their path was indeed blocked.

Business owners in the area have said the closure of the busy thoroughfare has already affected business. In a post on Instagram, Chips @ No8, a restaurant and takeaway on Clifton Street, said: “The hustle and bustle of a usually busy Prestwich Village is subdued. “It’s a little like it was in lock-down.

“We were 40pc down last week and that was with only half the road closed.
“We’ve closed our restaurant this evening and tomorrow to curb losses while the dust settles, however the takeaway will remain open.

“There are empty street parking spots all the way up Bury New Road on south side of the road closure currently and you can coast up to them no problem.
“Support your local businesses during this tough time where you can.”

Venu Mandabapu, from Village News and Booze, said: “The footfall has been down since the full closure. “It’s bound to affect business.
“I can only hope it get repaired and things get back to normal as soon as possible.”

Another business manager on Bury New Road, who did not wish to be named, said: “Since last September there have been drain smells coming from that area of the road, especially when it rains.

“It’s going to be very disruptive and looks like a big job.” For Frank Urion, 87, the road closure had led to an unexpected walk home. He said: “I arrived at the bus stop after a clinic appointment to find this.

“There’s obviously no buses running along here so I’ll have to walk back home to Sedgley Park. “But that’s okay, I’ve all the time in the world and it’s a nice day.”

The Bee Network said diversions were in place on many bus services due to ‘a depression in the road’. They said the 95, 97, 98 and 99 services were being diverted via Scholes Lane and Bury Old Road. The 94 service is re-routed via St Mary’s Road and Rectory Lane.

The X41 service is being diverted via Scholes Lane, Sheepfoot Lane and Middleton Road. A United Utilities spokesman said its investigations had shown the ‘sinkhole was not caused by UU assets’.

They added that the investigation had been handed back to the council as a result.

A spokesman for Bury Council, said: “Detailed investigation of the road has revealed a void across its full width. “The road was fully closed earlier today for safety.

“It must remain closed while United Utilities carry out further investigations.
“We are doing all we can to resolve this problem as soon as possible.”

The council added that diversion routes, including via Scholes Lane and Fairfax Road, are clearly signed and in place until further notice. The authority, added: “Allow more time to travel “If you must travel, allow extra time for your journey.”