Motorists in Manchester are being urged to plan ahead for ‘essential works’ arriving at the start of the new year.
As part of what is Manchester City Council‘s ongoing scheme of essential bridge maintenance that’s currently happening across the city region, it’s now been confirmed that a nine-week programme of works will take place as soon as 2024 arrives.
This means that a series of lane closures are planned for Mancunian Way, and a number of other bridges in the borough, for more than two months starting from the evening of Sunday 7 January 2024.
Works are scheduled to take place on Mancunian Way, Freeman Street, and Bonsall Bridge.
According to the Council, while the Mancunian Way will only be affected by lane closures, rather than a complete closure of the road, both the Bonsall Street Bridge – which is only accessible for buses, cyclists, and pedestrians – and the Freeman Street Footbridge, will be subject to full closures.
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This is based on “the scope of works required for them”, Councillors say.
Manchester motorists urged to plan ahead for ‘essential maintenance’ works at the start of 2024 / Credit: Manchester City Council
Specialised investigations for each bridge structures are set to take place, which involves works such as running surfaces, waterproof membranes, tension cables, and anchoring points.
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On Mancunian Way, lane closures are expected for up to four weeks from Sunday 7 January, while on the Freeman Street Bridge (Princess Street), there’s set to be a full closure for up to two weeks from 5 February, and then over on Bonsall Bonsall Bridge (Princess Street), there’ll be a full closure for up to three weeks from 19 February.
The Council is warning motorists that there’ll be “heavier levels of traffic” across the city centre while these works are carried out.
“We understand that this period of work may be disruptive,” explained Councillor Tracey Rawlins, who is the Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council.
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“However, these inspection works are vital and we will endeavour to complete them as quickly as possible, [as] safety is and will remain our top priority, and we must ensure that our roads and bridges remain safe to use and drive on.
“During this time, there will of course be heavier levels of traffic, especially during peak periods, so I would ask people to please plan ahead.”
Manchester City Council has confirmed that signage will be installed in all affected locations to “advise motorists and pedestrians of the closures in advance of works commencing”, and also, where applicable, what diversions will be in place.
Ruben Amorim has been sacked by Manchester United
Danny Jones
Ruben Amorim has officially been sacked by Manchester United.
The Portuguese head coach managed more than a year in charge of the Red Devils, but following a bad record overall, not to mention a blockbuster interview over the weekend, they have now parted ways.
Now fully confirmed by the club itself, Amorim’s 14-month stint as Man United boss is over, and an interim manager has already been put in place.
Writing in an official statement, MUFC said: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United.
“Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future.”
For many supporters, it was abundantly clear that an ultimatum was likely, if not already imminent, after his visibly frustrated post-match press conference following the 1-1 draw against Leeds.
There were already reports of growing friction between Amorim and the director of football, Jason Wilcox, and his bombshell quotes on Sunday, 4 December, only added fuel to the fire.
In case you haven’t seen it, you can see the clip in question down below.
United have also confirmed that former player Darren Fletcher will be leading out the squad (which includes his twin sons, Jack and Tyler) in their next game against Burnley this Wednesday, 7 January.
As for who could be installed next, the recently resigned Enzo Maresca has already been linked with the manager’s position, and plenty are already speculating as to which sidelined/loaned-out players could return to the club following his exit.
Regardless of a wealth of initial backing by the INEOS Sports board members, in the summer transfer window, as well as from the majority of players and countless fans, Amorim exits the club with one of the worst win percentages in their history and just 15 victories to his name in nearly half a century of games.
How would you sum up the 40-year-old’s time at Old Trafford, Reds?
Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu accused of abuse by partner
Danny Jones
Leigh Leopards star Tesi Niu has been accused of physical and mental abuse by a person purporting to be his partner.
The allegations were made on Niu’s own Instagram, who has seemingly commandeered the account to share claims across social media along with various photos, which are yet to be fully substantiated.
An Australian-born former NRL athlete and Tongan international, Tesi Niu, has gone on to become an important first-team squad member for the Greater Manchester rugby club and has been a popular personality among the supporters.
With that in mind, the alleged abuse is one that has deeply troubled the fan base.
Accusations of alleged physical abuse have been made against Leigh Leopards centre Tesi Niu by his partner.
As you can see in the screenshots originally posted on Niu’s own channel and since reshared online, the individual who names herself as Kiani alleges that the 24-year-old rugby league player assaulted her on Christmas Day 2025 before going out and getting drunk.
In addition to sharing pictures of various bruises around her neck, shoulders and arms, the woman also writes that he took her phone and money to prevent her from leaving, as well as detailing that she is now pregnant with their third child.
Kiana Smith has been his partner for more than half a decade.
Circulating online over the weekend (4-5 January 2026), a full investigation into the claims is now thought to be underway.
Neither Tesi Niu’s representation nor Leigh Leopards have yet come out to comment on the allegations, but the Rugby Football League (RFL) have shared an official update regarding the situation.
You can see the rest of the IG stories down below.
As per a statement supplied to News.com.au, the English governing body said: “The RFL are aware of the social media posts. We will not be making further comment at this time.”
Anyone looking to report abusive behaviour can call the Greater Domestic Abuse Helpline, Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm, on 0800 254 0909.
Emily Sergeant -
18th December 2023 
