One Rochdale councillor says Sudden Junction works could finish months ahead of schedule

Roadworks at Sudden Junction could be completed up to five months ahead of schedule after changes were introduced to ease congestion around one of Rochdale's busiest junctions.

Councillor Dylan Williams, in a brave Facebook post, said the scheme, which has caused weeks of disruption for motorists, is now running ahead of schedule and could be completed in seven months rather than the original 12.

In a detailed update to residents, Councillor Williams said the Manchester Road highway improvement scheme was approved before he became Rochdale Council's cabinet member for highways and stressed that it is being funded by Transport for Greater Manchester rather than the local authority.

He acknowledged that the first week of work in May caused significant disruption across the borough.

"In the first week they created absolute traffic chaos," he said, adding that he immediately told highways officers and Transport for Greater Manchester that the situation "could not continue" because of the impact on residents.

The councillor said he pushed for changes including reducing some lane closures, removing cones where possible and introducing a new traffic management system known as RAMS.

He also organised a meeting with emergency services and senior Greater Manchester Police officers after concerns were raised that ambulance and police response times were being affected by the congestion. According to Williams, new measures including live traffic monitoring linked to emergency vehicle movements have since been introduced.

He claimed the changes have significantly improved traffic flow and said discussions are continuing about reopening additional lanes, including the left hand lane on Manchester Road approaching the junction from Rochdale.

Williams said the completed scheme is expected to increase capacity through the junction by 20 per cent.

He told residents that work originally expected to last 12 months could now be completed within seven months, with around half the project finished by November and the remainder completed by January. Resurfacing work will also take place overnight to reduce disruption.

The update prompted hundreds of responses from residents, with many welcoming the communication but others questioning whether conditions had improved.

Several residents complained that traffic had simply been diverted onto surrounding roads through Castleton and Sudden.

One resident said a journey that would normally take five minutes was taking more than half an hour because of congestion around Castleton and Bolton Road. Another claimed they had stopped shopping at Tesco because access to the area had become too difficult.

Williams responded by encouraging affected residents to contact him directly and suggested there could be positive news regarding access around Tesco within the next few weeks.

Concerns were also raised about emergency vehicles becoming trapped in traffic.

Responding to one resident who described seeing an ambulance struggling to get through the junction, Williams said the works are monitored by CCTV between 7am and 7pm and contractors are expected to open lanes when emergency vehicles approach.

"If you have a specific concern please can you email me and I'll take this up with Highways and TFGM as that's not acceptable," he replied.

Residents repeatedly questioned why contractors appeared to stop work during the late afternoon and asked whether longer shifts or weekend working could speed up completion.

Williams replied that crews already begin work at 7am and confirmed discussions are taking place with Transport for Greater Manchester about funding longer working hours.

"We are asking and in talks with TFGM who are doing the work to fund paying the workmen to work longer hours," he wrote.

The councillor also revealed that two nearby resurfacing schemes have been postponed until after the junction project is completed.

"I have also taken the decision two significant nearby road works for resurfacing which were due to take place whilst this was taking place. Not on my watch. They can be done after this has been completed."

The discussion widened beyond the current project when Williams confirmed that planned cycle lanes on Oldham Road have been cancelled following a decision taken by council leader Neil Emmott, cabinet member Danny Meredith and himself.

He said government figures showed only one per cent of Rochdale residents cycle to work or school and argued future transport planning should prioritise motorists, pedestrians and public transport users.

That position prompted disagreement from some residents.

One respondent argued the low number of cyclists reflected a lack of infrastructure rather than a lack of demand. Williams replied that the completion of the Castleton to Rochdale cycle route would provide a test of whether more people choose to cycle when facilities are available.

Other residents suggested dedicated bus lanes in Middleton should be removed to ease congestion. Williams rejected that idea, saying the lanes support services using Middleton Bus Station and removing them would cause delays to a significant number of bus routes.

Several residents praised the councillor for providing regular updates and responding directly to concerns.

Williams said improving communication, reducing disruption from roadworks and improving the condition of roads and pavements across the borough would remain key priorities in his new role.