Closures at Big Lamp Roundabout in Shaw

A major roundabout in Oldham will see road and lane closures for two weeks, with ‘delays expected’ for motorists heading in and out of Shaw.

Four main roads feeding into the Big Lamp Roundabout will be completely or partially blocked off from Monday, January 5, up until Sunday, January 18. 

The closures are so Cadent Gas Limited can complete ‘safety-critical’ works on the gas network along Church Road and the roundabout. The highway closures include shutting off entry to Church Rd until January 16, while Manchester Rd, Oldham Rd, and Crompton Way will see lane closures and temporary traffic lights. 

This is likely to cause disruption and delays to motorists driving in and out of Shaw and Crompton. 

Cadent Gas Ltd have emphasised the works are vital for public safety and maintaining supplies to residents in the area. They are replacing some of the boroughs oldest gas pipes in the area, some of which are more than a hundred years old, according to the utilities company. 

A spokesperson for Cadent Gas Ltd said: “Last year, we were working in Church Road, and nearby, to replace sections of underground pipelines which records indicate date to around 1900. This pipeline runs directly across the roundabout and we started work to replace that section today (5 Jan).

“This required some changes to the traffic flow of the roads which meet the roundabout. This is likely to be in place for around two weeks. We appreciate this is disruptive and hope people understand the safety-critical nature of the work we are doing. It is important work to maintain a safe distribution of gas to ensure local homes and other buildings have the energy needed to stay warm.” 

Oldham Council, who are overseeing the highways closure, added: “Cadent have a road closure in place from today which is expected to be finished on 16/01/25. This is for gas mains replacement.”