United Utilities confirm long term fix for Hurstead Bus Stop sinkhole after years of disruption

Thursday, 18 September 2025 19:22

By David Murphy

A two year saga of roadworks at the A58 Hurstead Bus Stop is finally set to end, after United Utilities confirmed a full repair plan to tackle a recurring sinkhole.

For years, drivers along the busy A58 route have faced repeated roadworks caused by a failing Victorian sewage system beneath the Hurstead Bus Stop. Temporary repairs kept collapsing, leading to fresh closures and mounting frustration.

Now, after pressure from Ward Councillor Adam Branton and close work with Rochdale Council’s highways team, United Utilities has agreed to deliver a long term solution.

Councillor Branton said he had “listened to the frustration and anger” of residents across the borough, adding:

“I wanted to do everything I could to raise and escalate the issue on behalf of all commuters. By working with United Utilities and Council Highways officers, we now have a long term fix in place.”

United Utilities’ Greater Manchester Engagement Team confirmed that feedback from residents had helped shape the repair plan. Shy Bayly, from the team, said:

“These combined works have now been finalised and agreed with Rochdale Council. Community feedback has directly shaped our approach. While traffic management will be in place for an extended period, this coordinated effort will allow us to complete all outstanding work in one phase.”

The project, which begins on Saturday 20 September at 8am, is expected to last just over two weeks, with completion aimed for Sunday 5 October.

Works will be carried out under manually operated temporary traffic lights between 7am and 7pm on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends to speed up completion.

Road users are advised to expect delays during this period but are being reassured that the work represents the end of the cycle of short term patch repairs.