Through a joined-up Bee Network, we’re helping more people get where they need to go with safer, easier, affordable connections by bus, tram, train, or walking, wheeling and cycling.
As part of this, we’re investing in schemes to make travel easier and to help people get from A to B.
The plans are being put in place to speed up bus journeys and reduce delays for all road users including motorists by easing congestion, improve bus stops so they are fully accessible, comfortable, safe and secure and improve journeys by walking, wheeling and cycling by making them as safe as possible.
TfGM is working with Wigan Council to improve journeys from Wigan through Hindley and Hindley Green, to Leigh.
Improvements at the Bird I’th Hand Junction
Wigan Council has completed improvements at the Bird I’th’ Hand junction in Hindley. Work started in autumn 2025 and was completed by December 2025.
This junction had historically experienced congestion, meaning buses were often caught in traffic and arrived late. This was partly due to traffic turning right from Wigan Road onto Liverpool Road blocking vehicles turning left or continuing straight ahead.
To help tackle this issue, the right-turn lane was extended to increase capacity at the junction and improve bus journey times and reliability, while also helping to prevent other road users from becoming stuck in traffic.
Other improvements included:
- Moving the bus stop and lay-by on the north-westbound side of the road further back to widen the road.
- Upgrading the existing pedestrian crossings with push-button facilities to improve safety and accessibility.
Improvements at the A578 Leigh Road and Smiths Lane junction, Leigh
Wigan Council is carrying out improvements at the junction of A578 Leigh Road and Smiths Lane in Leigh from Monday 7 September 2026. Work is expected to take around 10 weeks, with completion planned by the end of November 2026.
These improvements are designed to help buses travel more reliably on the 608-bus route, while also improving traffic flow for all road users.
What is changing?
The work will include:
- Moving the southbound bus stop on Leigh Road from its current lay-by to the main carriageway south of the junction. This will help buses rejoin traffic more easily and reduce delays.
- Creating two exit lanes on Leigh Road, including a dedicated left-turn lane. This will increase the capacity of the junction and help traffic move more efficiently.
- Upgrading the traffic signals with new technology that can respond to changing traffic conditions in real time, helping to improve traffic flow.
Benefits of the scheme
The improvements will:
- Support more reliable bus journeys on the 608 route.
- Reduce delays for buses rejoining traffic.
- Improve traffic flow through the junction.
- Help the traffic signals respond more effectively to congestion and changing road conditions.
What to expect during the works
From Monday 7 September 2026 until early November, roadworks will be in place at the junction of A578 Leigh Road and Smiths Lane in Leigh.
To allow the works to be carried out safely, temporary traffic management will be in place, including periods when the junction will operate under temporary traffic signals. This may cause delays, so please allow extra time for your journey.
Changes to bus stops
- The bus stop near Meadow Field will be temporarily closed and relocated.
- The eastbound bus stop on Leigh Road (after the junction) and the northbound bus stop on Smiths Lane (before the junction) will also be temporarily closed for the duration of the works.
- Alternative bus stops will be clearly signposted, and diversions will be signposted for pedestrians.