Preconstruction works have recently started on the St Marys Public Realm Improvement Scheme, with the main works set to begin mid November.

The purpose of the scheme is to improve the active travel facilities such as walking and cycling and public realm along the A58 St Mary’s Gate. The scheme involves a series of highway improvement works to provide controlled walking and cycling crossing points connecting Lower Falinge to Rochdale Town Centre. 

Disruption will be kept to a minimum, with two running lanes on St Mary’s Gate kept for as long as possible, Reed Hill car park and Redcross St will be closed to allow for construction working areas. Access to residential and commercial properties will be largely maintained throughout the project although access may be removed for short periods of time. Safe pedestrian access throughout the area will be maintained at all times. Residents and businesses in the immediate vicinity have been informed via a postal update.

Highways works will be carried out Monday to Friday (not including Bank Holidays), between the hours of 7.30am and 5.00pm. Any work that requires lane closures on the A58 will be done off peak between 9.30am and 3.00pm. To reduce disruption to highways users the final carriageway surfacing will be carried out at nights under a full closure in early Feb, between 7pm and 5am.

Works are expected to finish in March 2025.