Motorists are, once again, being urged to plan ahead as Mancunian Way is set to close in both directions this weekend.
Closures will be put in place so “planned maintenance” and “safety inspections” can be carried out.
As Manchester‘s busiest road, and one of the main thoroughfares in and out of the city centre, it stands to reason that, from time to time, maintenance work and annual safety inspections have to take place to Mancunian Way to make sure journeys are as seamless as possible for everyone in the future.
This is why the local authorities claim they have worked together to “identify the weekend” where it’s likely there would be “least disruption to plans”.
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🚧 The Mancunian Way is closed this weekend [9/10 Sep].
Plan your weekend: – Avoid traffic and simply park and travel by tram into the city. – Use the M60 for faster cross-city journeys – Roads will be quietest before midday 👉 https://t.co/BZwUPbfSm6pic.twitter.com/62UtIMaepU
During this weekend’s closures, some of the works due to be carried out will include safety inspections, road repairs, lighting inspections, street sweeping, drainage clearance, and general work to improve any defects, while the overall integrity of the structure will also be assessed.
Traffic is set to be affected by the closures, as you’d probably expect, but TfGM has confirmed that signed diversions will be put in place to “keep you moving”.
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So, where exactly will the closures be? And for how long can you expect to be affected?
TfGM has confirmed that from 5am on Saturday 9 September until 7pm on Sunday 10 September, the Mancunian Way will be closed in both directions from the Chester Road roundabout to Fairfield Street for said “planned maintenance works and safety inspections”.
Traffic will be diverted via Chester Road, Bridgewater Viaduct, Whitworth Street West, Whitworth Street, Fairfield Street, and vice versa.
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/ Credit: TfGM
Based on data from previous closures, TfGM says the quietest time to travel will be before midday, as traffic evels will be higher from 12pm -with the busiest time likely to be between 4pm and 7pm on Saturday and 3pm and 6pm on Sunday.
Chester Road, Regent Road, Whitworth Street, Fairfield Street and the Inner Ring Road approaching the Mancunian Way are likely to be the most impacted roads.
Using the M60 and the motorway network will likely be the fastest way to get from one side of the city to the other, but if you’re already in the city centre and looking to make a journey, then you’ll want to use the northern sections of the Inner Ring Road (Trinity Way and Great Ancoats Street) to avoid being caught in congestion on the Whitworth Street diversion route.
The Metrolink network will be your best option to “avoid expected congestion”, TfGM says, while making the most of ‘park and ride’ services is also advised.
Find out more about the planned closures on the TfGM website here.
Featured Image – Ocean Outdoor
News
Swinton women’s Lionesses rebrand is officially off the ground
Danny Jones
Following an initial announcement late last year, local rugby club Swinton Lions’ women’s team has finally and fully rebranded as Manchester Swinton Lionesses.
The Salford-founded rugby league club, whose men’s team competes in the RFL Championship, has a long and rich competitive history, as well as a fervent male and female following in the area.
As one of the most important and well-established outfits in women’s rugby, Swinton Lions have not only officially relaunched as the Lionesses from 2026 onwards, but are looking to re-establish themselves as their own entity and a competitive powerhouse capable of competing at the top level.
In case you hadn’t heard about the rebrand up until now, you can get a closer look at changes not only to the name but the club crest and more.
As you can see, not only is the shift towards Manchester rather than just strictly Swinton a concerted effort to broaden the supporter base across all 10 boroughs, but there are some key tweaks to the new Lionesses badge.
Changing the design of the lion logo itself – as well as citing 2020 as a key date in this rebirth (i.e. the short-lived push to be renamed the ‘Manchester Lions’), which is more than half a decade in the making – they’re heading into the new year with both a new name and a slightly new look.
Just as reported by the likes of sports journalist Johnny Davidson back in November, however, the title and insignia have been a long time coming.
As per a press release by the club at the time, besides new kits and some key admin, “This evolution is about more than a new name or logo; it’s about creating a platform for women and girls across Greater Manchester to be inspired, to belong, and to believe they can achieve greatness in our sport.”
They insist that the aim is to be a “progressive club that’s proud of its history but unafraid to innovate”, also looking to attract new investors and commercial partners – such as Superfly Sports Flags, which will now appear on the likes of players’ shorts and boot bags, as well as around Heywood Road.
'The Swinton Lionesses today proudly announced the launch of their new identity – the Manchester Swinton Lionesses – marking an exciting new chapter not only for women’s rugby league but for the evolution and ambition of one of the sport’s most historic clubs.
Women’s captain Sammi Simpson went on to state: “We’re so proud of what this team has achieved in such a short time, and this next step feels like a natural evolution.
“Wearing ‘Manchester Swinton Lionesses’ on our shirts will remind us of where we’ve come from — and how far we can go together. We want to inspire the next generation of players, supporters, and families to be part of something special.”
Even Mayor Andy Burnham has expressed his excitement, adding: “Manchester is a city built on sport, strength, and community — and the Manchester Swinton Lionesses embody all of that.
“This new identity is a powerful statement about where women’s rugby league is heading and the role Greater Manchester will play in shaping that future.”
As any rugby fan will know, this isn’t the only rebirth of a local sporting institution currently taking place over in Salford.
New landmark chickenpox vaccine begins UK rollout to protect thousands of children
Emily Sergeant
A new landmark chickenpox vaccine is beginning its rollout across the UK in a bid to help protect hundreds of thousands of children.
Chickenpox is a common infection in children that spreads easily.
It is usually mild but it can lead to serious complications which need hospitalisation, including chest infections and fits. The latest Government data indicates that half of children will contract chickenpox by the age of four, and 90% by the age of 10.
Currently, children who catch chickenpox are typically advised to stay off school until all spots have formed a scab – which is usually five days after the spots appear.
But now, this new vaccine will mean children can miss fewer days in nursery or school, and reduce time parents need to take off work to care for them.
Hundreds of thousands of young children are now being offered the chickenpox protection as part of routine NHS childhood vaccinations.
The combined vaccine adds chickenpox protection to the existing measles, mumps and rubella schedule.
Surprisingly, it’s estimated that around £24 million is lost in income and productivity every year in the UK due to childhood chickenpox, so not only will the new vaccine rollout save money this way, but it is also expected to save the NHS a whopping £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.
The new vaccine comes following a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisations – with a combined MMRV vaccine replacing the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox (varicella).
From now on, GP practices on the NHS will start to offer children the combined MMRV vaccine at 12 months and 18 months of age.
Dr Claire Fuller, who is the National Medical Director for NHS England, called the rollout a ‘hugely positive moment’ for children and their families.
“From now, the combined vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox will be available at children’s routine vaccination appointments to keep children healthier and prevent sickness from these highly contagious viruses,” commented Dr Fuller.
“The new vaccine will also help the health service move its focus from sickness to prevention, and keep more children safe and in school.”
Featured Image – Jonny McCullagh (via Wikimedia Commons)
Emily Sergeant -
7th September 2023 
