Warning as major bus stop relocated and drivers asked to ‘arrive as late as possible’

One of Oldham’s major town centre bus stops will be closed for a week between May 13 and 19.

There will be no services running from the West Street interchange due to "essential improvement works" on the roads. 

Most bus routes have been diverted via the nearby Cheapside bus station, except for the 409 bus, which will continue on Rochdale Rd in both directions without stopping near the Civic Centre. 

The bus services affected are the 59, which will instead stop at stand C at Cheapside, 76 and 76A (stand G), the 81 (stand F), and 426 (stand G). The nearest 409 stop will be the one by Oldham College.  

Passengers have been warned by local councillor Howard Sykes that Cheapside will be "extremely busy" for the week. Bus drivers have reportedly been told to "arrive as late as possible to their departure times" to avoid long queues of vehicles around the replacement bus station, according to Coun Sykes. 

A spokesperson for Transport for Greater Manchester said: “Oldham West Bus Station will be closed for seven days from 13 May due to essential roadworks and resurfacing work, with most services being relocated to Cheapside Bus Station.

“Operators and drivers have been issued with guidance to help minimise any potential disruption to passengers and services over the course of the week.”

Access to the Civic Centre car park from West St will also be restricted, with drivers advised to enter via New Radcliffe St. 

The temporary closure follows other major infrastructure projects taking place in the town centre. Residents are still adjusting to the Bee Network roll-out, which saw Oldham’s bus services join the GM-wide scheme with operator contracts handed over to Stagecoach. 

The Dan Fold taxi rank opposite the West St bus stop was also recently relocated to Fountain St ahead of the Snipe Inn’s imminent demolition this month. The move sparked concerns about disabled parking after six parking bays were moved to New Radcliffe St.  

A council spokesperson noted that these are the "final touches" to "improve the area" around the bus station, making it "cleaner, greener and easier to get around". Other improvements have included new cycle lanes, trees and paths.