Huge shake up of major roads in Rochdale planned

Thursday, 7 August 2025 15:10

By George Lythgoe

CGI of how the new road layout on Oldham Road, Rochdale could look under TfGM's plans

A new bus lane, upgraded bus stops and safer roads have all been earmarked for Rochdale town centre.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Rochdale Council have refined proposals to improve public transport and active travel around Oldham Road and its nearby streets.

Plans include a new bus lane and upgraded bus stops; safer crossings for people walking, wheeling and cycling; a new ‘quiet route’ for cyclists; and raised junctions to slow traffic.

The same number of lanes for traffic and parking outside some local shops will remain, following consultation with locals. A section of Platting Lane will also be made into a one-way system to help reduce rat-running.

The plans are intended to deliver quicker, more reliable bus journeys, better walking and cycling routes as well as more accessible stops. This all feeds into the Bee Network’s vision of safer, easier, and more affordable travel across Greater Manchester.

These improvements are part of a wider plan to enhance travel along the busy A627/A671 corridor between Rochdale, Royton, Oldham and Ashton – used by the popular 409 bus route.

Coun Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Major upgrades to one of our most well used routes is good news for the borough and will ensure that all different road users have better journeys.

“The team at TfGM have made improvements since the last consultation and I would advise residents to get involved in the next stage of engagement, so they can find out more about this important scheme.”

The proposals support the ambitions of the Greater Manchester Strategy to create a greener, fairer, more prosperous city-region. This would be done by making it easier to travel by bus, bike or on foot, we’re helping to cut congestion, improve air quality, and connect people to jobs, education and opportunity.

Stephen Rhodes, director of bus at TfGM, said: “We are listening carefully to what people are telling us – and our revised proposals for Rochdale reflect the feedback we’ve had from earlier engagement on this scheme.

“As we go out to public consultation, we know it’s essential that we continue to work with our communities to shape a Bee Network that works for everyone. Our focus is on improving everyday journeys—whether that’s by bus, on foot, or by bike.

“By making these trips quicker, safer and more accessible, we’re not only supporting more sustainable travel, but also helping to ease congestion for all road users, including drivers.”

More information on the proposals can be found on the council website.

There is also the opportunity to attend two public drop-in sessions at Rochdale Borough Council Offices, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU on the following dates: