Oldham to lodge opposition to TRU works programme
The council will file a formal objection to a transport & works act order relating to the Stalybridge-Diggle part of Network Rail’s Transpennine Route Upgrade railway improvement project.
Sign-off was required at full council for the objection to proceed, as instructed by the Department for Transport after Oldham had signified its opposition to the scheme in January.
Oldham Council, stressed officers in the report prepared for the meeting, supports the strategic objectives of TRU and “recognises its importance in improving rail capacity, reliability, connectivity and long-term environmental outcomes across the North of England”.
Furthermore, it was added, “the council has engaged constructively with Network Rail throughout the development of the scheme and remains committed to working collaboratively to maximise public benefit”.
With Network Rail having responded in early February to that initial airing of grievances, negotiations over different aspects of the work programme are continuing.
The hope is that as many points as possible can be resolved before June, when a public inquiry is inked in to begin – the draft Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) has attracted more than 250 other objections.
Oldham’s support for TRU in principle notwithstanding, the council has put on record its issues with the TWAO due to several unresolved concerns that impact on public safety, statutory responsibilities, public rights of way, highway operations, land interests and future development potential.
The TRU programme as a whole is a £10.7bn project, expected to complete in the 2020s. It aims to improve a 76-mile stretch of railway with electrification, other improvements accessibility upgrades at 23 stations.
The issues at stake:
Public rights of way and highway safety
The council objects to proposed temporary vehicular diversion routes at Boat Lane / Harrop Court Road and Station Road, where non-motorised public rights of way would be used for vehicles without sufficient clarity or safeguards. The proposals risk compromising user safety, particularly for vulnerable users, and lack legally robust detail – although NR has now confirmed it will develop a construction traffic management plan, requiring council approval.
At Greenfield station, Oldham remains concerned about insufficient design information for highway alterations, including pedestrian crossings and drop-off arrangements. Although Network Rail has committed to establishing a design working group and escalation process, these arrangements are not yet formally documented.
Moorgate Halt Level Crossing
Oldham strongly objects to the proposed permanent closure of Definitive Footpath 209, described as an “ancient and well-used route”, NR’s proposed diversion is, in Oldham’s view, steep, inaccessible and unsuitable for vulnerable users. The council maintains that a footbridge remains the only acceptable solution.
Land interests and development impacts
Several land plots will be affected by temporary and permanent works, particularly where access rights, landscaped land, operational assets or future development potential may be prejudiced, said Oldham. Of particular concern are impacts on land with existing or potential residential development, where bridge replacement works could permanently affect highway sightlines and site viability.
Construction programme and local events
Oldham said that the absence of a clear construction programme raises concerns about potential conflict with major Saddleworth events, which rely on safe and effective operation of the highway network.
The council’s overall position is summed up thus: “Until detailed information is provided, and satisfactory solutions are agreed—particularly in relation to public safety, rights of way, highway design governance, land impacts and construction programming— the council is unable to withdraw its formal objections.
“The Council remains willing to continue working constructively with Network Rail to resolve these matters and to support delivery of the scheme in a way that safeguards local communities and enables the council to fulfil its statutory duties.”
Also referred to as the Saddleworth programme in TRU terms, the Stalybridge to Diggle programme is a considerable project, which includes the slight relocation of Tameside’s Mossley station as well as the accessibility-led works at Greenfield, along with work on bridges, tunnels and roads that will allow the installation of the overhead line equipment required to power faster, cleaner trains.
