It has been slammed as ‘horrendous’, now the reason for ongoing M66 slip road lane closure has been revealed

Residents have branded the situation a ‘dire mess’ and ‘ridiculous’

Closures on a busy motorway slip road have been in place for months as repair work complications prolong misery for drivers.

The M66 slip road at Bury is currently down one lane, with the restrictions causing regular queues of traffic up Rochdale Old Road and Rochdale Road. Residents have branded the situation a ‘dire mess’ and ‘ridiculous’.

MP James Frith said residents, commuters and businesses have contacted him with their frustrations over the situation. National Highways, which is responsible for motorways, has now said the closure is due to a damaged parapet, he said.

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The structure is understood to have been damaged in an accident. The parapet is a ‘key safety barrier’ according to National Highways.

Because of this, the lane cannot ‘safely reopen’ until permanent repairs have been completed. The situation is further complicated by the fact those repairs involve ‘major engineering work’ and ‘bespoke components which have to be specially manufactured’, Mr Frith explained in a Facebook post.

Mr Frith added: “I completely understand how frustrating this situation is, particularly for people trying to get to work every day and for local businesses dealing with the impact of the congestion. I’ve stressed concerns raised with me directly with the Highways Agency and will continue pushing them to prioritise the repairs and do everything possible to speed up the process with their contractors.”

This process can take up to three months, he said. However, people commenting on the situation were quick to point out that the restrictions have been in place for longer than three months.

One resident said: “What date did the damage take place? I think it’s more than 3 months ago. The lack of facts and dates sounds like an excuse.”

Another added: “Absolutely diabolical. It’s a metal barrier fence on the slip road with a slight bend.

“They need to get their finger out and get a move on. Traffic around the roundabout, Rochdale Road, Wash Lane, Bury Road, and Willow Street have been horrendous.”

Traffic jams in the area have also been exacerbated by roadworks further up Rochdale Road, at its junction with Bond Street, as part of an active travel scheme. Residents told the Local Democracy Reporting Service these are causing ‘chaos’, as well as confusion over why they are happening in the first place.

Those responding to Mr Frith’s post also pointed to the Rochdale Road roadworks as part of the problem.

One said: “The council has caused utter chaos on our roads for months, nothing is co-ordinated and all the roads seem to be getting dug up all at the same time.”

A second added: “In fairness, it’s not just the works on the M66. There are numerous roads closed, dug up, temporary lights which all adds to the congestion caused. Rochdale Road works are ridiculous and causing mayhem.”

“Having recently been back on the roads for work I can honestly say it’s horrific trying to get in or out of Bury,” a third person agreed.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted National Highways to ask when the repairs are expected to be completed. We had not received a response at the time of publication.