I WOULD like to respond to KJ Marsh’s letter, entitled ‘Busway fears’.

Hough Lane has been closed since April to allow National Grid to divert and rehouse the high-pressure gas main.

The road had to be closed to provide sufficient space for the works to be carried out and ensure the safety of the public and the workers.

The works were crucial because the old gas pipe was not suitable for the anticipated weight from the busway and was too high within the proposed embankment where the busway will be constructed.

The bridge at Hough Lane has not been demolished, although a small parapet from the top has been removed on both sides of it.

The gap in the bridge where the old rail line used to run has actually been filled in with earth from elsewhere along the busway route, allowing buses to cross Hough Lane at road level.

This will mean that passengers can have direct and easy access to the bus stops from the road.

Our experience from the previous closures and roadworks in the area has demonstrated that it will be less disruptive to the surrounding community and road network to complete the works in a shorter time frame under a full road closure.

The work to complete the junction includes further service diversions, drainage works, amending kerb lines, traffic signal installation, resurfacing, erection of signs and painting of road markings.

The works at Astley Street are very complicated.

They involve raising the height of the road where the busway crosses by approximately two metres from its existing level and the diversion of a main water pipe by United Utilities.

This is an essential element of the work which needs to be completed prior to the new junction being constructed.

Completing these works while maintaining a single lane contraflow would have a significant impact on traffic flows on Astley Street, Elliot Street, and on the entire Tyldesley loop.

We have faced numerous challenges along the way but are still on track to open the busway in 2015.

I’d encourage anyone with any questions about the busway to email Buspriority@tfgm.com or call us on 0300 123 1177.

Peter Boulton,
head of programme management services,
Transport for Greater Manchester