Metrolink Means Delays For Rochdale Boaters

The construction of the Metrolink tram system to Oldham and Rochdale will result in potential delays for boaters on the Rochdale Canal.

The Manchester - Oldham - Rochdale railway loop is currently being converted from a standard railway line to a Metrolink tram line and this entails making changes to two bridges where the line crosses the canal.

Newbold railway bridge, between Firgrove and Kingsway bridges (east of Moss Locks) needs to be demolished and replaced. The demolition will take place between Tuesday 13th and Friday 16th April, 2010. Between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm on each of those days the canal will be closed to boats. Outside of those hours, passage will be available but there may be delays of up to 30 minutes. Boaters should moor up if necessary and await the direction of the banksman.

A new bridge will be constructed at Newbold between Tuesday 8th and Monday 14th June 2010. Between 11.00 am and 4.00 pm on each of those days the canal will be closed to boats. Outside of those hours, passage will be available but there may be delays of up to 30 minutes. Boaters should moor up if necessary and await the direction of the banksman.

In Failsworth the railway bridge just above Lock 65 (Wrigley Head) will need to have a new bridge deck fitted. Between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm on each of those days the canal will be closed to boats. Outside of those hours, passage will be available but there may be delays of up to 30 minutes. Boaters should moor up if necessary and await the direction of the banksman.

This bridge is immediately upstream of the section that is kept locks except for booked passages. Boaters heading westwards into Manchester will have passed the railway bridge before the stoppage starts each day. Boats heading east from Manchester will not usually arrive at this point until 2.00 or 3.00 pm so are unlikley to be delayed for too long.


Newbold Railway Bridge. (Photo: Neil Arlidge)

BW asks that boaters approaching these works moor up if requested and be patient. The contractor will get them through within the 30 minute window.