Commuters reported hour-long tailbacks last week as buses got gridlocked(Image: Josh Hunter)

Controversial city centre roadworks have sparked a debate among Manchester Evening News readers after motorists reported ‘queues up to an hour’.

Salford council is currently installing bike lanes and improved pedestrian walkways on Chapel Street, in the city centre, resulting in one lane being closed and temporary traffic lights being installed. The roadworks will be in place until spring 2026.

Images of long tail-backs have been shared since the closure came into effect at the start of May, with one photograph showing an incredible 40 buses gridlocked during last Thursday’s (May 8) rush hour.

Residents nearby say they’ve ‘never seen it like this before’, with Josh Hunter adding: “It can get busy before the Christmas markets, but not like this. You can’t imagine the delays for the people stuck on the buses at the back.”

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Now, M.E.N. readers have had their say on the project, with Helen Marsh commenting on a social media post driving into town from Leigh was ‘so frustrating’.

She added: “It took me one-and-a-half hours to do a 13 mile journey from Leigh into Manchester [on] Thursday morning. It was gridlocked, cars blocking junctions because the lights turn before you can move, horn beeping everywhere.

“It’s like doing a day’s work before you actually arrive at work. The people making the decisions about all these road closures/works, cycle lanes etc should be made to commute for one month every weekday at peak times to try and arrive in an office for 9am and to leave and get back home to childcare closing at 6pm before they make any decision.

“Its turning people off travelling into the city centre for work and shopping — which is the opposite of what I assume the intentions are. So frustrating.”

(Image: UGC)

Rob Hotchkiss also commented that he’d ‘spent two hours to do five miles’ on the same evening, and slammed the scheme: “Anybody who thinks this is a good thing is an idiot, doesn’t live in the real world and I can guarantee if they carry on with these ideas it will kill Manchester. I have had my business in Manchester for 12 years and worked here for 25+ and soon as we can realistically move out of there we will be.”

But other readers say the congestion is part of a wider problem of there being ‘too many cars’ on the roads.

Andrea Smith said: “Too many cars and public transport on the roads now, some families have two cars or more. [There’s] pollution, roads [and] small towns can’t deal with it anymore.”

Shaun Cummins commented there will be a ‘long term gain’. He said: “Short term pain for long term gain, just think of all the cyclists using the new shiny cycle lanes away from pedestrians and traffic, how safe will Manchester’s roads and footways be in the very near future.”

Olga Shaw also thought people’s attitudes didn’t help. She posted: “All of this lack of patience and anger of motorists just shows the mentality of people today.”

The vision for Chapel Street(Image: Salford council)

In response to complaints, a Salford council spokesperson previously said: “Salford City Council recognise that any scheme of this scale is going to be disruptive, especially in the early stages while all road users get used to the new arrangements. We are working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester and constantly monitoring traffic flows in the area.

“Adjustments have been made to signals’ operation at key junctions at Chapel Street/Blackfriars Road, Trinity Way/Blackfriars Road, and Trinity Way/Chapel Street to ease the congestion issues. While we recognise there have been delays during peak times, we would like to reassure residents and all road users that the one-way closure on Chapel Street represents the best solution currently available to deliver the works safely and efficiently.

“The set up balances the needs of local residents and businesses whilst maintaining the operation of public transport and general traffic flow with a provision for pedestrians and cyclists, whilst providing an adequate space for the works in a built up and very constricted city centre environment.

“We are working with the works’ contractor to ensure the project is constructed in the shortest possible timeframe to minimise disruption. The works are part of a long-term plan to enhance the area and build high quality, safer pedestrian and cycling provision across the city centre.

“Public realm improvements will see the installation of rain gardens, planting beds and new trees introduced. There will also be upgraded surfaces and new street furniture to create a more inviting and dynamic space for all to enjoy.”