Commuters advised to plan ahead during Oxford Road works

Three major developments transforming the Oxford Road corridor mark major milestones from next week, at the same time as a five-week road closure ends.

Manchester’s Brook Street re-opens on Sunday (February, 12) following the successful completion of work required for the redevelopment of the former BBC site.

The reopening of Brook Street means that developers can now turn their attention back to Oxford Road providing an opportunity for the corridor’s three transformational schemes to carry out work at the same time between Booth Street and Whitworth Street.

This will require Oxford Road to be closed for five weeks from Monday (February 13), which will cause some disruption to car and bus routes.

During the road closure Manchester Metropolitan University will carry out works to improve its infrastructure and resilience, while, at the same time, the Circle-Square development on the old BBC site can continue to carry out essential utility connections from the Oxford Road side of their site.

Meanwhile, Transport for Greater Manchester’s work to create a European-style bus and cycle boulevard will continue with much of it also taking place within the closed site, while one-way working towards Whitworth Street will enable them to add the final touches to this part of its scheme towards the city.

TfGM has already completed the section between Hathersage Road and Booth Street, transforming the space for bus passengers and cyclists. This latest phase means TfGM has only one more section of work left to complete one of the city’s most significant highway projects.

Oxford Road will remain closed be closed to all traffic between Booth Street and Charles Street while an inbound lane restriction will stretch from Charles Street to the junction of Whitworth Street.

This phase of work is expected to be completed by Friday 17 March.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The myriad of major projects and transport improvement schemes on Oxford Road represent some of the most transformational development the city has seen for some time, helping to create a world-leading 21st century city.

“Combining three key programmes of work in to a single closure makes sure we can limit disruption to commuters and visitors, and means we can look forward to the completion of the Bus Priority Package in just a few weeks’ time after more than three years of work.”

Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “It’s fantastic that we’re so close to completing one of the biggest highway projects the city has ever seen.

“It’s clear to see just how much has changed as much of the corridor is now unrecognisable from what it was 18 months ago.
 
“We’ve still got a few finishing touches to make but we’re nearly finished. Alongside the other developments taking place, the future of Oxford Road looks very bright indeed.”

While the opportunity for three major developments to carry out work within the same closure means less disruption in the long run, commuters are being advised to plan ahead.

The closure of Oxford Road is expected to impact bus passengers more so than motorists given that most are already using Upper Brook Street and so TfGM have created a bespoke travel page to help everyone get around.

Travel advice and more information about the work is available on the TfGM website.

By the end of April, the final piece of the city centre transport improvement project will be finished, marking more than three years of Project Grow – the £1bn investment in the region’s transport systems, including Metrolink’s Second City Crossing, the Bus Priority Package, better cycle routes, and major rail improvement works.