That's one way to open up town centre for all

PLANS UNVEILED FOR A MAJOR SHAKE-UP OF TRAFFIC SYSTEM

- CHRIS GEE

THE full details of plans to turn a town centre into a one-way system and 20mph zone have now been published.

Businesses in Ramsbottom first received a letter on the changes in the town last week, outlining plans to revamp the traffic system in the town centre.

Now, details around the proposals have been published with a public consultation now underway.

The proposals outline how Bridge Street would be reduced to a single lane and one-way between Garden Street and Bolton Street, with widened pavements.

Kay Brow would become one way eastbound with new raised tables on Kay Brow, Railway Street and Bolton Street to act as traffic calming measures.

Other measures include the introduction of a 20mph speed limit zone for the town centre and closing off some streets to traffic.

Earlier this month, the Manchester Evening News asked businesses and shoppers for their views on the planned one-way system, before the detailed plans were published.

Many expressed concern about a one-way system, saying they believed it could lead to increased congestion - with one calling it ‘the stupidest idea I’ve heard in a long time’.

Others had issues about access to Kay Brow from Bolton Street as the road has a steep incline.

Bury Council say their work shows the scheme, which is being funded by the government via the Streets for All element of Greater Manchester’s city region sustainable transport settlement, will not significantly increase journey time.

In public consultation papers, the council said traffic modelling on the introduction of one-way roads concluded ‘there would be a negligible impact on journey times’ and the scheme would not hold up emergency services.

There are no proposals to ban or impose specific restrictions on HGVs.

The 477 and X41 bus services will be re-routed via Bolton Street.