A MAJOR drainage project is set to cause traffic disruption in Delph for seven months when work starts on September 23.
The scheme, costing £635,000, will see a new surface water sewer installed to alleviate flooding problems for properties on the A62 Huddersfield Road and the Gatehead area.
A new outfall will need to be constructed across the entrance of Saddleworth Business Centre with the new sewer located in the centre of Huddersfield Road.
Residents have complained to Oldham Council about flooding issues for a number of years, exacerbated by an increased number of storms and blockages to historic culvers beneath private land.
In a letter to householders in the affected areas, Unity Partnership, in partnership with Oldham Council, said: “The proposed surface water sewer works are planned to commence on September 23 with an anticipated completion of 28 weeks.
“Due to the location of the new sewer it will be necessary to close a section of Huddersfield Road so works can be carried out safely.
“Pedestrian and vehicle access to businesses will be maintained and emergency vehicles and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
“Unity Partnership has been monitoring surface water run-off along Huddersfield Road and the highway drainage assets on Huddersfield Road, Gatehead Road, Midgrove Lane and Lark Hill Lane.”
Local diversions via Huddersfield Road, Delph New Road, Dobcross New Road, Standedge Road and Huddersfield Road will be clearly signed.
However, motorists are asked to give themselves extra time, especially during peak times.
Councillor Ateeque Ur Rehman, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We know closing a main road is never ideal.
But our highways engineers have undertaken detailed surveys, and this is the only way the work can be carried out.
“This drainage work is vital and once it is finished it will hopefully mean properties are no longer under the threat of flooding.”
The Council say another letter informing residents of road closures/start of work dates five days in advance.
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