Rochdale Station subway to re-open

The subway that connects Rochdale train station to its car park on Lincoln Street will re-open this year.

It is understood that Rochdale Council and Transport for Greater Manchester have been working with Network Rail and Northern Rail to open up the existing underpass between Miall Street and Sarah Street.

Karen Hornby, Interim Head of Rail at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “TfGM is working hard to deliver the aspirations for a better and more direct link from the new car park to Rochdale rail station. A number of key activities have already been undertaken including: the completion of a number of surveys, for example, topographical and ground investigation surveys, and initial outline designs have been drafted.

“Any costs at this stage are very much indicative and need to be informed by the results of further surveys. Once all surveys are complete we intend to finalise designs and submit for the necessary formal rail industry approvals.

“Subject to obtaining all of the necessary rail industry approvals we expect to be in a position to be able to progress on site with these works this year.”

The opening of the underpass is something that has been promised to residents since the station car park was opened 12 months ago.

Members of rail group STORM were assured at a meeting with Rochdale Council in April that the underpass would be re-opened with a number of alternatives being considered regarding work.

Glyn Henry, Network Improvement and Development Team Leader at Rochdale Council, said: “As a key stakeholder, Rochdale Council is working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester and Network Rail to resolve issues of access from the Miall Street car park through to the Rochdale Rail Station and Metrolink. A number of options are currently being investigated and costs and budgets will need to be identified. As soon as we know the outcome of these investigations we will endeavour to work with the stakeholders to introduce improvements as soon as possible.”

It was originally hoped that work to re-open the subway would have been completed earlier in the year with Rochdale Council hoping for the underpass to be opened by spring this year. So far, little work has been undertaken at the subway, therefore delaying its spring opening.

By opening up the subway, residents hope for better access to the station and Metrolink facilities as well as a direct route to both the Metorlink stop and train station.