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Full list of road closures announced as IRONMAN 2024 takes over Bolton next month

Get ready to not leave your house...

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 21st May 2024

The official route and full list of road closures have been announced, as Bolton prepares to host the IRONMAN next month.

Bolton has been the proud home of the UK’s IRONMAN race since 2009, and the world-renowned triathlon is all set to take over the Greater Manchester town once again in a couple of weeks time – with participants and spectators in thousands all preparing to flock to all four corners of the borough to the catch the action.

People of all ages and abilities – even including kids – are training to take part in three different events across the weekend.

And, as is always the case, residents and road users are being urged to plan ahead.

Full list of road closures announced as IRONMAN 2024 takes over Bolton / Credit: IRONMAN England (via Facebook)

Disruption is always expected by Bolton residents on the day, but this year, when IRONMAN 70.3 takes over the town on Sunday 30 June, temporary road closures will affect different areas than in previous years, and this is due to “significant changes” to the bike and running routes for the 2024 race.

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Bolton Council has, however, assured residents that the shorter distance of this year’s race means road closures will be briefer.

Temporary road closures are needed to “ensure the safety” of competitors and spectators.

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One of the borough’s major roads, Chorley New Road, now forms part of the bike route for this year, and the run route has also changed slightly too, but for the most part, it all remains concentrated around the town centre to minimise disruption as best as possible.

The town centre and Middlebrook retail park will be open as normal all weekend, but anyone driving into the town centre is advised to park at one of the car parks – which will be open as normal – rather than elsewhere or in the surrounding areas.

Anyone heading to Middlebrook from Bolton is advised to use Wigan Road (A676 / A58), to Manchester Road / Chorley Road (A6), and then use De Havilland Way (A6027) to reach the retail park.

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Road closures in and around the town centre for the ‘Night Run’ on Friday 28 June, and for IRONKIDS on Saturday 29 June, remain the same as in previous years, and people are advised to check Bolton Council’s website for more information on this.

Full list of road closures for IRONMAN 2024

All weekend:

Le Mans Crescent, Howell Croft North, and Howell Croft South will be closed from Friday 28 June at 6am to 9am on Monday 1 July, due to the course set up and build for the weekend events.

Friday 28 June – Night Run:

  • Deansgate, Knowsley Street, Chorley Street, Bark Street, Back Bark Street, and Bridge Street will be closed from 5:30-9pm
  • Spa Road will be closed eastbound from 5:30-9pm

Saturday 29 June – IRONKIDS:

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  • Le Mans Crescent will be closed all day
  • Deansgate will be closed from 6am-5pm

Sunday 30 June 30 – IRONMAN 70.3:

  • St Helen’s Road, Sandy Lane, Byrom Lane, Slag Lane and Lowton Road will be closed from 6-10am
  • Wigan Road/Warrington Road (A573) will be closed from 6-10:30am
  • Bickershaw Lane, a short section of the A578, Nel Pan Lane, and Westleigh Lane will be closed from 6-10:45am
  • Atherleigh Way (A579) between St Helen’s Road and Kirkhall Lane will be closed northbound only from 6-9:45am
  • Atherleigh Way (A579) will be closed northbound only between Kirkhall Lane and the Talbot roundabout from 6-10:45am
  • Gibfield Park Way and Gibfield Park Avenue will be closed from 6:30-11am
  • North Road from the junction with Gibfield Park Avenue, Platt Lane, and the A58 from Platt Lane to the Chequerbent roundabout, will be closed from 6:30-11am.
  • The bikes will turn left using Park Road/Manchester Road slip and will continue west on Manchester Road (A6), but these roads will be closed westbound only from 7-11am
  • Chew Moor Lane / Tempest Road to Regent Road, and Regent Road to Chorley New Road, will be closed 7-11am
  • De Havilland Way will be closed northbound from 7am-1pm
  • Victoria Road (A58) and Old Kiln Lane will be closed from 7am-1pm
  • Chorley New Road from Beaumont Road to the Beehive Roundabout will be closed eastbound from 7am-1pm, but there will be access westbound throughout the day
  • Chorley New Road from Beaumont Road to Waterslea Drive will be closed from 7am-1:30pm
  • Chorley New Road from Waterslea Drive to St George’s Road (B6226) will be closed from 7am-5:30pm
  • Chew Moor Lane, St John’s Road, Tempest Road, and Regent Road will be closed from 7-11:15am
  • Chorley Street, Bark Street, St Helena’s Road, Blackhorse Street, and Queen Street will be closed 7am-3:30pm
  • Spa Road will be closed from 6am-6pm

More information on the course and diversions to avoid road closures – including maps and timings – can now be found on the IRONMAN website.

Read more:

A road access hotline for further information is also available six-weeks prior to the events, and throughout the race weekend, by calling 03330 11 66 00.

Featured Image – Bolton Council

News

Four rare African ducklings have been hatched at Chester Zoo for the very first time

Danny Jones Danny Jones

More conversation celebration down the road at Chester Zoo, as the award-winning wildlife park has welcomed four African ducklings who belong to a rare breed.

As is so often the case with the work they do all year-round, their arrival could help signal the species’ survival in the long run, whose status was sadly upgraded from vulnerable to endangered on the official IUCN Red List.

The particular type of fowl we’re referring to is the Maccao duck, a stiff-tailed bird that typically belongs to the fresh and brackish inland waters of Eastern and Southern Africa.

Medium-sized, chunky, with big bills and subtle striping around their heads, they’re gorgeous creatures as is, but especially so as ducklings…

rare african ducklings hatched at chester zoo
‘It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die‘ (Credit: Chester Zoo)

If you didn’t say ‘awww’ out loud, then you’re just lying.

As the Zoo itself put it, they are “rare, fluffy and VERY cute.” Celebrating what is “a breeding breakthrough for one of Africa’s rarest ducks […] so these little guys are kind of a big deal.”

These little delightful little duckies are known for diving down to the bottom of lakes and riverbeds to forage for aquatic invertebrates and plants; in fact, given the choice, they tend to prefer going underwater over flying pretty much full-stop.

As a resident species that doesn’t migrate like many other birds, they are native to nations like Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. They’re identifiable by their dark black heads, blue bills (among the males, at least) and presence within the wetlands.

However, their estimated numbers continue to drop, and unfortunately, just 14 of their kind currently remain in Kenya and only 100 in Tanzania, with fewer than 5,000 believed to be left across the entire African continent.

Not only is this the first time the species has ever been successfully bred by bird experts at Chester Zoo, but conservationists hope ducklings will put a spotlight on the threatened species.

rare african ducks chester zoo
Their scientific name is ‘Oxyura maccoa’.
maccao ducks chester zoo
Just like human babies, they prone to stuff all over their face.
As far as ducklings go, these adorable little African variants are pretty special. (Credit: Supplied)

The zoo’s Head of Birds, Andrew Owen, said of their birth: “As one of just seven zoos in Europe – and 12 zoos globally – that care for Maccoa ducks, these ducklings are very special as they’re the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo – making it a really historic moment for our team,

“This success gives a real boost to the future of the species, and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count.

“To see them now out on the water inside our new Heart of Africa habitat, which is dedicated to helping Africa’s most threatened species thrive, makes this milestone even more special.”

Nothing short of brilliant news, we’re sure you’ll agree; better still, in addition to the crucially charitable and conversation-based tourist attraction being named one of England’s most popular destinations once again, but these are the only rare birds welcome by the zookeepers this month.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Chester Zoo (supplied)

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Vogue’s immersive ‘Inventing the Runway’ show is coming to Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A Vogue immersive show titled ‘Inventing the Runway’ is coming to Manchester, and it’s even co-created by Anna Wintour herself.

Ever fancied learning more about the fashion world? Well, now’s your chance to hear everything you need to know from global fashion leaders and lifestyle magazine Vogue.

The Anna Wintour-approved immersive experience comes alongside the announcement of Factory International‘s Winter lineup, which features another new event all about voyaging to the moon.

This Vogue-fronted experience will incorporate interviews, visual media and more to help attendees visualise fashion shows of the past, present and future.

As well as understanding how fashion shows became the pinnacle of a designer’s vision, this runway-themed display also includes looking back at iconic moments of fashion and pop culture.

‘Inventing the Runway’ by Vogue is focusing on outfits worn by models and A-listers alike, with narration from the one and only Cate Blanchett.

You can expect to see curated pieces by significant creative minds in fashion history like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and lots more.

Throughout the Vogue experience, as well as coming visually face to face with fashion, you will also hear a soundscape that perfectly reflects this innovative industry with a fusion of classical and pop music.

This fashion exhibition uses the same Lightroom technology behind the impressive David Hockney experience that opened back in December.

Vogue is using this show to honour anyone who has made an impact in the fashion world.
Vogue is using this show to honour anyone who has made an impact in the fashion world.
The Met Gala has become a staple in everyone's calendar year in and year out.
The Met Gala has become a staple in everyone’s calendar year in and year out.
First Northern Quarter’s Chanel show, now this… Très chic. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons/GoodFon)

Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue said: “At Vogue, we’ve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves.”

“This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first-hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.”

You can experience Vogue’s ‘Inventing the Runway’ immersive show from 18 December to 10 January when it visits Aviva Studios this winter.

Find out more information and grab your tickets HERE.

Manchester United tease new collaboration with Manc streetwear brand Drama Call

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — CHANEL Spri-Sum 2015 Haute Couture Show/Pexels/Goodfon/WikiCommons

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