New plans to make getting around Rochdale easier, safer and more sustainable have been revealed. Following feedback from residents in late 2023 and early 2024, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Rochdale Council have refined proposals to improve public transport and active travel – especially around Oldham Road and nearby streets.
The plans are intended to deliver quicker, more reliable bus journeys, better walking and cycling routes, and more accessible, comfortable stops, feeding into the Bee Network’s vision of safer, easier, and more affordable travel across Greater Manchester.
The updated plans include:
- A new bus lane and upgraded bus stops
- Safer crossings for people walking, wheeling and cycling
- A new ‘quiet route’ for cyclists
- Raised junctions to slow traffic and make walking easier
- All while keeping the same number of lanes for general traffic
Thanks to earlier feedback, key changes include:
- Retaining some parking outside local shops
- Removing the proposed right-turn lane at Oldham Road/Broad Lane to improve traffic flow
- Making part of Platting Lane one-way to help reduce rat-running
These improvements are part of a wider plan to enhance travel along the busy A627/A671 corridor between Rochdale, Royton, Oldham and Ashton—used by the popular 409 bus route.
The proposals support the ambitions of the Greater Manchester Strategy to create a greener, fairer, more prosperous city-region. By making it easier to travel by bus, bike or on foot, we’re helping to cut congestion, improve air quality, and connect people to jobs, education and opportunity.
Councillor Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“Major upgrades to one of our most well used routes is good news for the borough and will ensure that all different road users have better journeys. The team at TfGM have made improvements since the last consultation and I would advise residents to get involved in the next stage of engagement, so they can find out more about this important scheme.”
Stephen Rhodes, Director of Bus at TfGM, commented:
“We are listening carefully to what people are telling us – and our revised proposals for Rochdale reflect the feedback we’ve had from earlier engagement on this scheme. As we go out to public consultation, we know it’s essential that we continue to work with our communities to shape a Bee Network that works for everyone.
“Our focus is on improving everyday journeys—whether that’s by bus, on foot, or by bike. By making these trips quicker, safer and more accessible, we’re not only supporting more sustainable travel, but also helping to ease congestion for all road users, including drivers.”
(Pic: TfGM)
