Residents looking to travel south of Delph high street have avoided facing a 10-mile diversion.
The council had initially told The Oldham Times that pedestrians and cyclists would be required to follow "the same diversion" planned for motorists, adding 10 miles to what should be a short walk.
The diversion is planned later this week for the council to make urgent repairs.
However, local councillor Pam Byrne clarified the situation, and said she would be reassuring residents at her surgeries.
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Cllr Byrne said: “The bridge will remain open to pedestrians. There may be times when walkers may have to wait and be ushered through.
“I am sure that Delphers will be wit enough to manage.”
A council spokesperson said: “We will try to maintain pedestrian access as much as possible, but will not know until our work begins.
“We advise residents to use other any routes they may know.”
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Bus routes on diversion
The news will be welcomed by bus riders, as those usually taking the 350, S350, or 356 from within Delph will need to catch routes from Delph Cross Roads.
Those taking the bus will also be disrupted.
The 350 and school service S350 to Saddleworth School will not be calling in Delph village centre, instead turning away at the crossroads onto Delph New Road – meaning those looking to catch the bus will have to travel to the Delph Cross Roads stop.
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The 350 usually does a loop of Delph on its way from Oldham to Ashton via Uppermill.
The 356 will also be diverted.
The temporary change will see the route cut out Grains Bar and Denshaw during the works, instead looping around at Whinberry Way and going to Delph Cross Roads via the A62.
Works are set to begin on Tuesday, November 28, with the council set to fix a collapsed gully in the area.
Works are set to last for three days, depending on what is found during the inspection.
If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please email me at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.
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