‘Emergency measures’ for A56 near Park Farm, Ramsbottom

The traffic management measures have been introduced on the A56 Manchester Road in Ramsbottom near Park Farm to allow emergency works to be carried out.

Bury Council says this is in response to an ongoing landslip which has created a dangerous dip in the road surface.

Cllr Alan Quinn, Bury Council cabinet member for the environment and climate change, said: “These emergency measures are essential to ensure public safety while we address the impact of the landslip.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of motorists and residents as we work to stabilise the area and keep the route open in the safest way possible.”

The authority says the landslip has prompted the installation of temporary traffic signals to protect road users while remedial works take place.

These signals will remain in place until minor surfacing and lining works can be completed.

Contractors have patched sections of the carriageway, and lining will be carried out to mark out the new lanes.

Once these works are complete, the road will return to two-way traffic within a narrowed carriageway layout designed to keep vehicles safely away from the affected area of the slip.

As well as immediate safety measures, the council’s traffic team is preparing a Traffic Regulation Order to reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph along this stretch of the A56.

They say this temporary reduction is intended to improve safety for all road users while investigations continue, and long-term stabilisation solutions are developed.

The council says a long-term solution is likely to involve major engineering works to support the highway, the scale and scope of which will be determined by ongoing ground investigation.

Officials say lower speeds will help minimise risks and ensure that drivers can navigate the altered road layout safely.

Further questions and answers can be found online at Bury Council’s website.