Nine-month road closures described as ‘absolutely essential’ to town’s regeneration

A key route through Prestwich will close between Mondays and Fridays for a prolonged period

Weekday closures of major roads through a town centre for a nine month period are ‘absolutely essential’ to delivering regeneration, Bury’ council leader has said.

Parts of both Fairfax Road and Rectory Lane in the centre of Prestwichwill be closed to traffic from Monday, October 13 as steel deliveries and other work carries on at the former street level car park site.

A temporary road closure order states Fairfax Road will be closed between Highfield Road and Heys Road/ Poppythorn Lane from 7am on Mondays until 5pm on Fridays.

Similarly, a section of Rectory Lane, from its junction with Fairfax Road to a point 25 metres south of Fairfax Road will also be closed to traffic between those times.

After 5pm on Fridays the roads will be re-opened over the weekends until closing again on Mondays at 7am.

The road closure order will be in effect for a year, although the work is expected to take nine months

The alternative route advised for vehicles will be via Bury New Road, St Mary’s Road and Rectory Lane (St Mary’s Road to Heywood Road), Heywood Road and Heys Road and vice versa.

Muse and Bury Council, the joint venture behind the £100m+ regeneration of Prestwich village centre, said the road closures would create ‘temporary disruption’ along Fairfax Road as construction of the village’s new travel hub builds momentum.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout, with a signed diversion underneath the tramline off Rectory Lane.

A formal vehicle diversion will also be in place and clearly signposted.