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 in May 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.

For more information, visit our dedicated webpage here.