At Last! Lights go on at Sudden Junction

Date published: 13/04/2008

It has taken months longer than initially planned and caused traffic chaos throughout that time, but finally the work to change what was Sudden Roundabout into a traffic signal controlled junction has reached the stage were the traffic signals have been turned on and are fully operational and all road signs and bollards have been put up.

Drivers will now be hoping the council planners have got it right and that the change of junction will result in less congestion and reduced journey times - the five minute drive from Castleton to town has at times taken up to an hour whilst the much delayed work has been in progress.

Retailers in the town centre will also be breathing a sigh of relief, as reported by Rochdale Online last month, the major road works have had a significant impact on trade making it extremely difficult to access the town centre, particularly when the roundabout was closed for four weekends in order for workers to carry out resurfacing work.

Drivers are warned that some delays can still be expected as the section of Manchester Road between the two roundabouts is still reduced to one lane westbound at all times as work is ongoing. Off peak lane closures may also be necessary on both sides of Edinburgh Way, while the finishing touches to the road are made.

Some traffic management is also in place on the link road (Cotton Lane) between Manchester Old Road and Manchester Road; this link road is now permanently altered to operate on a one way system, outbound only.