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Bridge works bring fears of traffic havoc

Stephen Foster
12/12/2006

FEARS of new year traffic gridlock in the Milnrow area are mounting with the news of major bridge works in Elizabethan Way starting after Christmas.

Engineers admit that traffic jams and delays are expected when work starts on replacing concrete parapets on the bridge over the railway in Elizabethan Way.

Two lanes of traffic will be maintained at peak times, but from 9.30am to 3.30pm temporary traffic lights will be in operation.

The work, which could stretch over 23 weeks, could also involve the occasional total closure of the road late on Saturday night to the early hours of Sunday.

A council spokesman said the aim would be to minimise the impact of the work, but it would have an effect on traffic on an already busy road.

But Councillor Irene Davidson said she fears the work could cause gridlock at rush hour in the Milnrow area.

She said: "I believe it could cause absolute havoc. The local councillors have been talking to the engineers for months and months.

"Ideally the work should have been done last summer during the six-week holiday, but consultations had to be made with the electricity company, BT and Network Rail.

"In some ways the work couldn't come at a worse time during the winter months.

"We have been talking with engineers to try and minimise the problems the work will create. But those worst affected won't be the traffic passing along Elizabethan Way to get to the motorway, but people who live in the Harbour Lane area, who already find it very hard to get on to Elizabethan Way or back home again.

"The work to the bridge is essential and needs to be done now because there is money in the budget for it to be carried out. The bridge has been the subject of normal wear and tear, but we have a responsibility for its safety."