Major Oldham road set to become walking and cycling friendly

Proposals are being drawn up to turn St Mary’s Way from an imposing dual carriageway into a road with spaces for walking and cycling that will have easier access for public transport users.

It comes after Oldham Council secured £900,000 in funding from a Greater Manchester fund for local transport improvements.

The road space along St Mary’s Way, between Henshaw Street and Yorkshire Street, will also be made greener through the planting of trees and shrubs as part of the plans.

Through the proposed scheme traffic and buses will use the northern half of the current dual carriageway to travel in both directions with the southern half repurposed to include dedicated space for walking and cycling, as well as planting to make the area more attractive while assisting with drainage.

A two-way cycle track with priority over side roads, crossing points, widening of pedestrian paths and improved bus stop facilities will be installed.

Cllr Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: “This is great news for the borough. We're delivering a better and more welcoming town centre, where it is easier to walk and cycle, and also more enjoyable to spend time.

“Our proposed scheme will deliver real benefits for residents and visitors as it will make getting about easier than it is now.

“Over the last few years, we’ve transformed streets and public areas across Oldham town centre, making it easier and safer to travel around, especially for cyclists and pedestrians. This will be the next phase of that work.” At a Cabinet committee meeting earlier on Monday councillors agreed to accept the funding, which has been provided by the Department for Transport (DfT) City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).

The overall improvement scheme will cost £6m with money to pay for it coming from the CRSTS programme, a national £5.7 billion investment in local transport networks.

Greater Manchester has secured £1.7 billion to deliver rail, bus and Metrolink schemes across all 10 boroughs.

Once the plans are finalised it is anticipated construction will begin in 2025.