Work to bring Metrolink to Rochdale town centre is steadily progressing, with further waterproofing works about to start to the bridge over the River Roch, on Smith Street.

This means that from Monday 8 October, a section of Smith Street – between Drake Street and the new No 1 Riverside council building – will be temporarily closed to traffic.

As a result, there will be no access to Smith Street from Faulkner Street, and Faulkner Street and River Street will not be accessible from Smith Street.

People using the parking facility over the bus station will still be able to reach it as usual via the ramp from Smith Street.

To help local businesses maintain access and loading, and to allow people to use the Lower Drake Street car park, the one-way traffic arrangements on River Street will be removed during the Smith Street closure, which is expected to last for approximately six weeks.

Traffic will enter and leave River Street from Water Street, and there will be clear signage in place to give priority to vehicles travelling uphill.

Philip Purdy, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink Director, said: “The essential waterproofing works to the River Roch bridge are a key stage in bringing Metrolink to Rochdale town centre, and some streets will need to be partially closed for a few weeks in order for our contractor to carry out this work safely and effectively.

“We appreciate that road closures can be inconvenient, but by undertaking this work now, we’ll reduce the need for expensive and disruptive reactive maintenance in the future.

“We will do our best to keep any inconvenience to a minimum and to work with local traders to make sure they are affected as little as possible.

“Clear signage will be in place to show diversions and manage traffic flow.”

Once complete, the new Metrolink line will provide a regular, frequent transport link between Rochdale and Manchester city centre and beyond. The town centre extension is expected to open during 2014.

Metrolink, and the new transport interchange currently under construction in the town centre, are key to the regeneration of Rochdale. A huge transformation programme is creating a town centre with fantastic leisure, shopping, cultural and learning opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Visit www.rochdaletowncentre.com for the latest information on the developments and associated road closures.

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