Roads across parts of Greater Manchester were hit by traffic jams after crossing buttons ‘froze over’ in the sub-zero temperatures on Thursday (January 9).
Traffic lights turning to red more frequently reportedly caused ‘mayhem’ on roads, with the issue reported in Rochdale, Littleborough, Middleton and Oldham areas.
Motorists also complained about the issues happening at crossings in Tameside, Radcliffe, and in Irlam.
It came as wintry, freezing conditions hit Greater Manchester, with Manchester Airport’s runways temporarily closing again on Thursday morning, schools shut and roads closed.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has now confirmed a number of the push buttons on traffic signals became stuck and frozen due to the recent cold snap, meaning lights were turning red more frequently.
A bus in the snow in Oldham
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Network Director for Highways, said: “We are aware that a number of push buttons on traffic signals have frozen due to a combination of wet weather and sub-zero temperatures.
“As a result, some of the signals have been turning to red more frequently than usual. We have raised the issue with our signal maintenance company who have advised that the buttons will naturally thaw out.
“We are sorry if this has affected anyone’s journey today. However, most delays on the highways network have been due to the impact of widespread ice and snow.”
One social media post in Rochdale claimed ‘every crossing in the town was changing to red constantly’ on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, with traffic flow on Falinge Road also being hit.
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Another, reporting problems in Littleborough, said: “Anyone who lives near a pedestrian crossing turning red every 10 seconds, please pour warm water on the buttons. They are frozen – traffic is horrendous apparently.”
And another post on a local Facebook page reported an issue on Oakcliffe Road in the village, which said: “The pelican crossing at the bottom of Oakcliffe Road is turning to red every twenty seconds. Although a pain, at 10pm at night it’s good to see people adhering to road rules when no pedestrians are present.”
The same issue was also reported on Thursday in Royton, Oldham, as a poster on Facebook said: “The pedestrian crossing outside Lidl is glitching. Keeps turning itself to red after a few seconds of green. It’s -6. I wonder if the button got frozen down.”
“Last night it was happening near Radcliffe Metrolink Station after every two seconds,” another person commented, with similar issues also reported in Tameside and in Salford, as one motorist said: “Irlam and Cadishead roads since 3pm yesterday. The roads are shocking, traffic is at a stand still or crawling. Traffic light buttons stuck changing lights to red constantly. Absolutely ridiculous!!”