Key Points
- Ongoing roadworks on Deansgate have introduced a dedicated bike lane and converted the road to a one-way system for southbound traffic from Quay Street to Liverpool Road, leading to significant congestion.
- Mayor Andy Burnham announced an 'honest review' of the Deansgate traffic initiative following complaints about delays, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas.
- The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has revised plans for John Dalton Street, Bridge Street, and surrounding areas due to public concerns about traffic flow and congestion.
- Changes include longer lay-by bus stops, two new taxi ranks, widened pavements, and additional pedestrian crossings, with new crossings planned at the Deansgate and John Dalton Street junction
- A public consultation on the revised plans began on November 25, 2024, and concluded on January 5, 2025, inviting residents to provide feedback online.
- Drivers have reported confusion and frustration due to unclear or faded road markings, particularly at key junctions like the Mansell Way/Tesco roundabout in Horwich, where lane markings are described as "badly worn/faded" and causing dangerous driving behaviour.
- Bolton Council is responsible for maintaining road signs and markings across the borough, ensuring compliance with Department for Transport regulations.
- The council has acknowledged the need to address unnecessary roadside clutter, including redundant signs and markings, to reduce driver information overload.
- Residents can report damaged or missing road signs and markings directly to Bolton Council via email or phone.
- The council has previously implemented temporary road closures for resurfacing works, such as on Smithills Dean Road, indicating a pattern of infrastructure maintenance across Bolton.
Inverted Pyramid: Traffic Disruptions and Driver Frustration Mount on Deansgate
As reported by journalists at Yahoo News UK, significant modifications to Deansgate's road layout have sparked growing frustration among Bolton drivers, with congestion and unclear road markings creating hazardous conditions. The introduction of a dedicated cycle lane and the conversion of the road to a one-way system for southbound traffic have been cited as primary contributors to the worsening traffic situation, particularly during peak hours and in the run-up to the Christmas period.
According to the report, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham responded to the mounting complaints by calling for an 'honest review' of the transport initiative, acknowledging the impact on daily commuters and city centre businesses. The changes, part of a broader urban regeneration effort, aim to prioritise sustainable transport and improve pedestrian safety, but have faced criticism for inadequate planning and communication.
What prompted the changes to Deansgate’s traffic flow?
The revised plans for Deansgate and surrounding streets were developed in response to public feedback received during a consultation period that ran from November 25, 2024, to January 5, 2025. As detailed by Yahoo News UK, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority cited "concerns about potential traffic flow and congestion" as the driving force behind the modified design.
The updated scheme includes several adjustments intended to mitigate traffic bottlenecks, such as the installation of longer lay-by bus stops to prevent buses from obstructing moving traffic, the creation of two new taxi ranks, and the widening of pavements to accommodate increased footfall. Additionally, new pedestrian crossings are planned at the junction of Deansgate and John Dalton Street, aiming to enhance safety for walkers navigating the busy city centre.
How are road markings contributing to driver confusion?
Despite these efforts, drivers continue to report difficulties navigating Deansgate due to ambiguous or deteriorating road markings. On the FixMyStreet platform, resident Laurence Flightingale highlighted the dangers posed by "badly worn/faded" lane markings at the Mansell Way/Tesco roundabout in Horwich, a location outside but indicative of broader concerns across Bolton.
Flightingale noted that the poor condition of the markings has led to drivers
"wandering or cutting across the roundabout in a dangerous manner,"
with "many near mishaps observed daily" at the junction. This reflects a wider issue of infrastructure maintenance, as Bolton Council is responsible for ensuring all road signs and markings comply with national standards set by the Department for Transport.
What is Bolton Council’s role in maintaining road safety?
As outlined on the Bolton Council website, the local authority oversees the installation and upkeep of all road signs and markings within the borough. The council must adhere to the Traffic Signs Regulations, which govern the design, placement, and illumination of signs and road markings.
Residents are encouraged to report damaged or missing signs and markings via email or by calling 01204 336600, ensuring that hazards are addressed promptly. The council has also committed to reducing "unnecessary roadside clutter," such as redundant signs and bollards, to prevent information overload for drivers and improve the urban environment.
What other roadworks have recently affected Bolton?
Beyond Deansgate, Bolton has seen a series of road closures and resurfacing projects aimed at improving infrastructure. In July 2024, Smithills Dean Road was temporarily closed for resurfacing works between Moss Bank Way and Deene Rd, with the closure lasting approximately one week.
Such projects, while disruptive in the short term, are part of a longer-term strategy to maintain road safety and surface quality across the borough. However, the timing and coordination of these works have come under scrutiny, particularly when overlapping with major city centre changes like those on Deansgate.
What do city officials say about the future of urban transport?
In a public consultation statement, city planners emphasized their vision for a more walkable, livable city centre, stating,
"We aspire for our city to be an excellent destination—an area where individuals wish to visit, reside, work, clean air safe, and inviting streets".
They added that achieving this goal requires "significant changes to create the city center we deserve".
While the intentions behind the Deansgate redesign are aligned with broader environmental and urban planning objectives, the execution has raised questions about the balance between long-term vision and short-term disruption. With Mayor Burnham’s review underway, stakeholders await recommendations that could shape the future of traffic management in central Bolton.