TO ease Traffic flow and create safer travel along one of the busiest roads in Bury the Borough's first official bus lane has been opened. In future, at peak periods between 7.30am and 9.30am and 4pm and 6pm, the lane will be in operation along Rochdale Road from the M66 Heap Bridge roundabout towards the town centre.

Chairman of Bury Metro's Traffic and Engineering sub committee, Councillor Sean Cassidy, commented:

"Recently we opened the first bike lanes in the Borough and now we have followed it with the first bus lane.

"We have taken a long hard look at this section of road and decided that this was an immediate way to improve traffic flow and safety."

He also explained that at peak times Rochdale Road carries around 1,800 vehicles an hour including up to 50 buses an hour both ways.

By keeping buses and other vehicles separate he expects to see a further improvement in traffic travel which has already been aided in Rochdale Road by the addition of extra traffic facilities including several mini roundabouts and widening of the carriageway.

The switching on of a new pelican crossing has also made things safer for Broad Oak High School pupils using the school crossing patrol.

The new crossing, says Councillor Cassidy, will also help children cross the road safely out of school hours and make things easier for the elderly, and for bus passengers wishing to cross.

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