Work to bring Manchester Metrolink into Rochdale town centre is continuing and as a result from Monday 8th October a section of Smith Street will be closed to allow further progress. The section of Smith Street between Drake Street and the new No 1 Riverside council building will be closed for approximately six weeks. As a result of this closure River Street will become two way (instead of its usual one way status) for the duration of the works.
Philip Purdy, TfGM Metrolink Director, said: “The essential waterproofing works to the River Roch bridge are a key stage in bringing Metrolink to Rochdale town centre, and some streets will need to be partially closed for a few weeks in order for our contractor to carry out this work safely and effectively. We appreciate that road closures can be inconvenient, but by undertaking this work now, we’ll reduce the need for expensive and disruptive reactive maintenance in the future. We will do our best to keep any inconvenience to a minimum and to work with local traders to make sure they are affected as little as possible. Clear signage will be in place to show diversions and manage traffic flow.”
Manchester Metrolink services to Rochdale town centre are currently scheduled to start operating in 2014.