New traffic system for Sale Sharks home games at the AJ Bell Stadium

Friday nights will never be the same  – that’s the message that Sale Sharks want to get across to their supporters, who travel by car to the AJ Bell Stadium.

Many fans will be wary of the trip, citing the previous chaos and free for all that used to exist after the home games at the Stadium. But that’s all changed with the hiring of a traffic management company to improve the post-match traffic flow, and the news that all home matches will be played on Friday nights.

A spokesman for Sale Sharks said:”Due to the increased number of supporters wishing to park on site we will be utilising the additional parking area behind the Wooden Spoon Stand (North) for season car park pass holders.

“Pre-match, stewards will direct approaching vehicles to their designated car parks, and will also stop the practice of supporters parking on the traffic islands near the Barley Farm pub as this area is pivotal in the implementation of the new traffic management scheme.

“The car parks will be ‘locked down’ for 15 minutes,post match, as usual, to allow pedestrians to leave safely as this is a legal requirement. When it is safe to do so the family car park (South) will be the first to open for egress, followed by the North car park, then the West. The North car park will be cleared using the new access road to improve traffic flow. The stadium approach road will be EXIT ONLY to allow both lanes to be used by exiting traffic, with no vehicles allowed towards the stadium for 30 minutes after pedestrians have exited (or sooner if egress allows).

“The phasing of the traffic lights will be managed at the end of the stadium approach road/A57 junction to allow more cars to leave quickly and safely, and control will also be taken of the pedestrian crossing on the A57.’

“Supporters leaving, and travelling Westbound on the A57 towards Irlam, should use the access road bearing left before the Barley Farm pub. This will allow you to access the A57 using a designated temporary exit lane to allow safer exit.”

If you have any queries, please email info@salesharks.com.