Work to divert over 200 utility pipes and cables away from the routes of Metrolink lines through Oldham town centre and at Oldham Mumps is continuing, with the next major phase of work concentrated in King Street.
As part of work to divert utilities away from the alignment of the town centre line, King Street will be closed from Union Street to Barn Street from today, for approximately six weeks.
During this time Metrolink contractors will work to divert telecommunications, gas and electricity cables as well as water mains pipes away from the new tram line.
Pedestrian routes will remain open and traffic diversion routes will be clearly signposted.
From today, Union Street West will also be closed for approximately three weeks to construct a new United Utilities wastewater manhole, as part of Metrolink work.
Philip Purdy, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Director, said:
“We are currently diverting utilities away from the new lines to ensure that, once Metrolink is up and running, we will not have to suspend services while maintenance or repair work is carried out to underground cables and pipes.
“We liaise closely with Oldham Council to plan all works as well as to minimise disruption to traffic, for example we have worked in conjunction with Oldham Council to introduce temporary traffic islands at King Street to keep traffic flowing while work is ongoing.
“I can assure residents and drivers this work is an essential part of bringing Metrolink to Oldham and I would like to thank everyone for their patience and ask them to please bear with us.”
Water mains diversions at Oldham Mumps are drawing to a close, with the roundabout set to reopen to traffic today.
