Almost 60 roads have been treated across all 5 townships as part of the annual summer micro asphalt programme, which improves the condition of the road and gives it a longer lifespan.
The work forms part of a wider £4 million investment into the borough’s highways network in 2024, which includes the resurfacing of a large section of Bury Road alongside the installation of a new crossing point at the junction of Bury Road, Roch Valley Way and Sandy Lane. Major improvements to Michael Faraday Avenue in Kingsway are under way, alongside improvements to the drainage in Overtown Lane in Norden.
In addition, road resurfacing is taking place in Norman Road and Albion Street in Rochdale North, with traffic calming being implemented in Ashworth Street. Over in Middleton, pavement reconstruction is taking place in Broughton Close and Windermere Road. In Rochdale South, new one-ways are being installed in Milkstone and Deeplish.
Major projects are also under way, including the repair and restoration of Queen’s Park Bridge
Over and above the £4 million investment, the council has also commissioned major projects, including the ongoing reconstruction and restoration of Queen’s Park Bridge in Heywood. The scheme, being delivered by Heywood-based, BDB Special Projects Limited, involves the large scale repair and part reconstruction of the 91 year old structure, as well as the restoration and re-instatement of its key historic features including dark green and gold lighting columns.
Other major projects include the redevelopment of the Reed Hill car park and the introduction of new pedestrian and cycle crossings on St Mary’s Gate in Rochdale town centre, which is currently on site.
Councillor Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highway, said:
“I’m pleased that we’re heading into winter with smoother, safer roads following the completion of the summer micro asphalt programme. Although micro asphalt is undertaken in the summer as it requires warmer temperatures, we undertake different types of road treatments throughout the year, so our work doesn’t stop.
“We have some really big schemes on the ground right now, including full resurfacing projects and the work on Queen’s Park Bridge, and I know the end results will be really impressive.”