The busy route has been closed in both directions in the centre of Prestwich forcing thousands to divert
21:08, 08 May 2025Updated 21:09, 08 May 2025
Bury New Road in the centre of Prestwich currently has no through traffic
Bury New Road is set to re-open to traffic on Friday, Bury Council has said.
The road, in the centre of Prestwich village has been closed to all traffic in both directions near Clifton Road since Wednesday afternoon.
It has caused disruption for thousands of motorists who normally use the busy commuter route close to junction 17 of the M60.
The council said that during investigations, it became clear that there was a crack along a 22-metre section of a sewer pipe around three metres underground.
The authority said that the surrounding sand was absorbing away creating a large void under the full width of the road.
A 22 metre crack has been found in an underground sewage pipe at the site
A council spokesman said United Utilities had agreed to repair their sewer using an internal liner, which should be completed on Thursday afternoon.
He added: “This will allow us to reinstate the carriageway and fully reopen Bury New Road to traffic late tomorrow afternoon.
“We will keep you informed if this timescale changes.”
Coun Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: “I want to thank our hard-working and diligent engineers who have helped to get this main road re-opened so quickly.”
Bury Council have been on site after earlier issues were reported on Wednesday, April 30.
On Wednesday, May 6 they said they had found underground gap across the full carriageway. Until the road is back to normal, several bus services remain diverted.
The Bee Network said diversions were in place on many bus services due to ‘a depression in the road’.
They said the 95, 97, 98 and 99 services were being diverted via Scholes Lane and Bury Old Road.
The 94 service is re-routed via St Mary’s Road and Rectory Lane.
The X41 service is being diverted via Scholes Lane, Sheepfoot Lane and Middleton Road.