Bury drivers warned as key A56 link to close until August

Drivers in Bury are being urged to plan ahead as a key stretch of the A56 is due to close from Monday, with disruption expected to last until August and affect journeys into Manchester and surrounding towns.

Major A56 closure set to disrupt summer travel

Reports indicate that a significant section of the A56, one of the main routes linking Bury with Manchester and other parts of Greater Manchester, will be shut from Monday as part of an extended programme of roadworks. The closure, which is scheduled to remain in place until August, is expected to impact thousands of daily commuters, local businesses and holiday traffic throughout the busy summer period.

The A56 is a primary north south corridor for drivers travelling between Bury, Prestwich and the regional motorway network. Publicly available information suggests that the work forms part of a wider package of improvements intended to upgrade junctions, renew ageing road surfaces and improve safety at several pinch points along the route.

With the closure set to span multiple weeks, journey times are likely to increase, particularly at peak periods. Motorists who rely on the A56 for work, school runs and access to retail centres are being encouraged by transport updates to review their routes in advance and allow additional time for daily travel.

Detours and congestion expected on surrounding routes

Traffic bulletins and local coverage indicate that signed diversion routes will be put in place to redirect drivers away from the closed section of the A56. These are expected to make use of parallel local roads and nearby junctions on the wider network, which already carry heavy flows during the morning and evening commute.

Neighbouring routes through Prestwich, Whitefield and Radcliffe are expected to come under additional pressure as drivers seek alternative ways around the closure. Past disruption in the area has shown that even short term lane reductions on the A56 can quickly lead to queues building on Bury New Road and feeder streets serving the M60.

Transport updates suggest that drivers making longer journeys across Greater Manchester should consider using motorway routes where possible and avoiding local cut throughs that pass close to schools and residential streets. Motorists are also advised to pay close attention to temporary signs and traffic management measures once the closure takes effect.

Impact for commuters, visitors and local businesses

The timing of the closure means that the disruption will overlap with the main summer getaway period, when many residents travel to airports, coastal destinations and festivals. The A56 is an important link for drivers heading towards Manchester city centre, rail hubs and key junctions on the M60, M62 and M66, so extended journey times are likely.

Retail and hospitality businesses in Bury and along the A56 corridor may also feel the effect of the closure, particularly those that rely on passing trade. Previous roadworks in the area have prompted concerns from traders about reduced footfall and difficulties with deliveries when traffic is diverted for extended periods.

Reports from similar long running schemes across the region show that some businesses adapt by adjusting opening hours, changing delivery times or promoting alternative parking and access routes for customers. Residents planning events or family gatherings over the summer months may want to share updated travel information with guests in advance.

Advice for drivers planning summer journeys

Travel updates across the region consistently highlight the importance of checking for road closures before setting off, especially where schemes are scheduled to last several weeks or span the summer holiday period. For Bury drivers, monitoring live traffic information for the A56 and surrounding corridors will be critical once the closure begins on Monday.

Publicly available guidance suggests that motorists consider leaving earlier than usual, car sharing where practical and avoiding peak periods if work or leisure plans allow. Those who must travel at rush hour should be prepared for stop start conditions on diversion routes and possible delays at key junctions approaching the M60 and local centres.

Drivers are also encouraged to factor in additional time for airport trips, long distance rail connections and coach services, which can be particularly sensitive to congestion on access routes. Keeping fuel and electric vehicle charge levels topped up, and having an alternative route planned, can help reduce stress if journey times are longer than expected.

Public transport and active travel alternatives

While the closure focuses on a major road used primarily by drivers, the impact is likely to be felt across the wider transport network. Reports on other long term closures in Greater Manchester have shown that some commuters respond by switching to public transport for part or all of their journeys.

Bus and tram services serving Bury, Prestwich and Manchester city centre may offer a more predictable option for some travellers during the works, even if journey times are slightly longer than usual. However, passengers are advised to check for any timetable changes or route diversions that could coincide with the A56 closure.

For shorter local trips, cycling and walking may provide an alternative to sitting in congestion on diversion routes, particularly where safe and direct active travel routes exist. Residents who live close to workplaces, schools or local shops may find it easier to leave the car at home on some days while the main road remains closed.

As the closure continues into August, publicly available information indicates there may be periodic changes to traffic management as works progress. Drivers, passengers and local residents are therefore advised to keep checking travel updates throughout the summer so they can adjust plans as needed and minimise disruption.