‘Chaos’ diversion of 10 miles when Oldham bridge closes

The journey from Delph Cross Roads to the north side of the High Street bridge by car would usually take only a minute, with a distance of just under half a mile.

However, the council is suggesting a diversion of 9.7 miles as works are set to begin on Tuesday, November 28 – taking around 20 minutes longer for motorists.

Works are set to last for three days, depending on what is found during the inspection.

Residents on social media have commented that it could cause ‘chaos’ for the school run.

The suggested diversion route is nearly 10 miles long (Image: Google)

Follow The Oldham Times on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, and Threads.

Reacting to the announcement of the suggested diversion by the council, Facebook user James Tracey commented: “It’ll definitely be chaos. School run will be rubbish!”

Alternative diversions, such as along Grains Road and the A672 for a 5.6-mile journey, or along Huddersfield Road and Delph Lane for a 1.4-mile journey, were considered unsuitable for heavy goods vehicles so will not be signposted by the council.

Diversions such as this one are considered unsuitable for HGVs so will not be signposted (Image: Google)

The news comes as a total of 90 different roadworks are set to go ahead this week and next across the borough.

Bus routes on diversion too

Those taking the bus will also be disrupted.

The 350 and school service S350 to Saddleworth School will not be calling in Delph village centre, instead turning away at the crossroads onto Delph New Road – meaning those looking to catch the bus will have to travel to the Delph Cross Roads stop.

The 350 will not call in Delph village while the works take place, with bus users taking it from Delph Cross Roads (Image: Google Maps/recoloured by Newsquest)

Sign up to our newsletters to get the latest stories sent straight to your inbox.

The 350 usually does a loop of Delph on its way from Oldham to Ashton via Uppermill.

The 356 will also be diverted.

The temporary change will see the route cut out Grains Bar and Denshaw during the works, instead looping around at Whinberry Way and going to Delph Cross Roads via the A62.

The 356 route will turn around at Whinberry Way and use the A62 towards Delph Cross Roads, cutting out Denshaw and Grains Bar (Image: Google Map and Newsquest)

Suggested diversions for pedestrians and cyclists are unclear. Oldham Council has been contacted for additional information.

Local councillors Luke Lancaster, Pam Byrne, and Garth Harkness were contacted.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please email me at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.

Update (11:50, Friday, November 24): This article was updated with more information on the 356 diversion.