Major transport network overhaul for Heywood

Friday, 11 April 2025 10:25

By George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter

CGI image of how the transformed transport network around Heywood could look

Heywood’s transport network is about to be transformed. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) hasrevealed updated plans on how the new road layout will look, focusing on ‘active travel’.

Key changes include new signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings; improvements to the car park on Hill Street; junction and traffic signal upgrades; as well as widened footpaths and upgrades to existing bus stops.

Transport bosses want to improve journey times and the reliability of buses; cut congestion; and improve journeys for those walking and cycling.

Since the last round of consultation in Spring 2024, key changes have been made to the proposals:

The removal of the proposed bus gate on Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw MC Way
Removal of the proposed one-way system on Hartley Street
The inclusion of signal upgrades at the L/Cpl Stephen Shaw MC Way and A58 junction to improve the flow of traffic and reliability of bus services

The plans form part of a wider scheme looking at journeys between Rochdale and Bury, via Heywood – focusing on the 471 bus route along the A58 with the improvements planned between now and 2027.

Anthony Murden, deputy head of Projects Group at TfGM, said: “Since the last round of engagement on proposals for Heywood town centre we have listened, gone away and looked at the feedback gathered and updated our plans.

“Listening to our local communities and making sure that people’s views are taken on board is key to us building a Bee Network that is accessible to everyone and meets the needs of our local communities.

“These updated plans are aimed at improving journeys for people whether they are on a bus, on foot or on a bike by making them quicker, safer and more accessible and we will also improve journeys for all road users – including drivers – by reducing congestion.

“This is an important part of our plans for building the Bee Network, improving the journeys that people make every day – whether that is to school, work, the shops, to healthcare appointments or for leisure purposes.

“So, if you live, work or visit Heywood Town Centre, or use this route regularly, even if you gave your views in the previous engagement, I’d urge you to have a look at these proposals and have your say, so we can take your views on board as we develop them further.”

The improvements are part of Rochdale council’s Heywood Town Centre Masterplan which is aimed at revitalising the town and boosting its connections to Manchester city centre and beyond.

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