Based on the valuable feedback we received at our drop-in sessions, and working with Oldham Highways Team and Transport for Greater Manchester, we plan to split the closure into two phases, keeping the top of Sheepfoot Lane from the junction with Cumberland Drive open for the first few months.

In Spring 2025, we submitted a planning application to Oldham Council, with our proposal for a new outfall into Plumpton Clough Brook and were granted planning permission later in the year.

At the end of January 2026 we set up our working area and brought plant and equipment to site ready to begin our main construction work.
In February 2026, we put a road closure in place on Sheepfoot Lane to install pipework under the road. In April we started to work outside residential properties on Sheepfoot Lane, to the west of Cumberland Drive.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to create an efficient and sustainable project that benefits everyone involved and improves the River Irk.

You can see more information about road closures in the map below.

Next steps

We will be begin stage 2 of the closure Tuesday 5 May 2026 and be complete by the end of October 2026. During this second phase of our road works in Sheepfoot Lane, our closure will be extended from the bottom of Sheepfoot Lane to the junction with Plumpton Close.

Access to Plumpton Close will be maintained and the car parks for Burtons and Royal Flowers customers will remain open. There will be no through route from Cumberland Drive and due to this the 402 bus route will not operate through Carlton Way. You can find the latest bus service information on the Bee Network website at tfgm.com.

Latest update

The new underground pipeline has now been installed along Sheepfoot Lane and through land to the east of Boundary Park Football Stadium. Construction of the new screening chamber is also underway, and we are preparing to connect the new infrastructure to the existing wastewater network. Once these works are complete, we will carry out the final reinstatement of Sheepfoot Lane, with the road expected to reopen in October.

Following a review of the design, we have updated our plans for the new outfall into Plumpton Clough. Rather than constructing a new outfall headwall, we will now connect into the existing culverted section of the watercourse beneath Oldham Athletic Football Club's main car park. As part of this revised approach, there will be increased construction activity near properties on Carlton Way while the additional underground pipework is installed, with work expected to begin by the end of July.

Once the new pipework has been installed, the affected areas will be fully reinstated. New manhole covers and concrete surrounds will remain visible, but the previously proposed outfall headwall will no longer be required.

For more information, visit our dedicated webpage here.