A WEEK of overnight roadworks has begun along one of Denton’s busiest routes.
Tameside Council says the work on Ashton Road will improve safety, in an area identified as one of the most dangerous in the borough.
The scheme, which started on Monday (March 16), focuses on the stretch between Lance Corporal Andrew Breeze Way and Hyde Road at the Crown Point junction.
Traffic management and crews have moved in during night-time hours, with lane closures in place between 9:30pm and 6am. While the road remains open, drivers are already experiencing some disruption, particularly near the M67 slip road and key junctions.
The work forms part of Greater Manchester’s Vision Zero Strategy, an ambition to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries by 2040. Locally, this section of Ashton Road has been singled out following analysis showing it is the second-highest location for injury collisions in Tameside.
The council say a series of changes are now being introduced to address long-standing safety concerns and congestion issues.
Among the most noticeable early changes are updated road markings, which will create two southbound lanes between Annan Street and Manchester Road, alongside new signage to help drivers better navigate the route. A yellow box junction is also being added at the M67 entry slip road to prevent vehicles blocking the flow of traffic.
Further work throughout the week will include resurfacing and the application of anti-skid materials on key approaches, particularly around the motorway slip roads and the busy Crown Point junction.
Pedestrians are also set to benefit, with improvements planned to a crossing point at Lupton Street, aimed at making it easier and safer for people with visual impairments to cross.
Lance Corporal Andrew Breeze Way will face temporary closures at points during the works, with signed diversions in place.
Councillor Stephen Homer said the changes are long overdue for an area that has seen persistent problems.
“This scheme is an important part of our commitment to make the borough’s roads safer,” the Executive Member for Towns, Transport and Connectivity commented.
“We know this section of Ashton Road has seen too many collisions, and these improvements will make a real difference for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. We appreciate residents’ patience as we deliver long-term safety benefits.
“The improvements have been developed with input from local councillors, emergency services and Transport for Greater Manchester, and are being funded through a wider regional transport programme.
The overnight works are scheduled to continue through to Saturday (March 21), with disruption expected to ease once the project is complete.