Trafford Council can now announce that work is starting soon on the interim cycling route along the A56 (Chester Road). Walkers and cyclists are set to enjoy upgraded pathways, cycleways and crossings which will make travelling through the area easier, quicker and safer.
Trafford Council has recently been awarded £2.07million from the Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund (MCF) to upgrade the current facilities, specifically replacing the coned temporary cycle lanes on the A56.
Part of Trafford Council’s ambitious Walking, Cycling and Wheeling Strategy is to enable 90% of journeys under 1 mile to be taken by active travel, such as by walking or using a wheeled machine like a bicycle, scooter or wheelchair. It is hoped that the upgraded works along the A56 will help connect the borough for everyone using the road.
The work on the A56 Chester Road is schedule to begin in the week commencing 15 July and will last for approximately 14 weeks.
The works will include roadworks and where required, road closures, but the impact of these will be shared with residents and users of the road across several channels as and when needed.
To minimise disruption to other road uses contractors will be working on the road section-by-section, starting from the new CYCLOPS junction at the Chester Road/Talbot Road junction moving from Christie Road down the southbound lane. This process will be repeated through the 14 weeks schedule.
Besides wider communication including with Transport for Greater Manchester, One Trafford Partnership social media and politicians, the webpage will be regularly updated as the scheme progresses and there will be targeted notices to affected residents and businesses when required. To ensure safety extensive traffic management plans have been developed. Works are schedule to only take place during certain hours (outside of peak times) and where and if possible night or weekend work will be used to stay ahead to the schedule.
Trafford Council intends to develop the North Active Travel Corridor - a complete route spanning through the borough from the M60 Junction 7, along Talbot Road and through to Salford and onto Manchester via the A56 Old Chester Road to the Cornbrook Junction. This sustainable active travel spine will in time include both segregated cycle lanes and junctions that integrate with adjacent developments and residential neighbourhoods, serving to encourage people to walk, cycle and wheel.
The A56 Chester Road upgrade will have many benefits, including a segregated cycle lane along the A56 in Stretford, and a new buffer strip between the cycle lane and main road, to increase safety. The scheme also includes a new safer crossing of Barton Road for pedestrians and cyclists, while restoring the three lanes of traffic for exit off the M60.
Cllr Aidan Williams, Executive Member for Climate Change, commented:
“We’re committed to improving our highways for all road users, including motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Thanks to this new funding, we are able to create a safer cycling and walking route along the A56 which will benefit everyone who uses this arterial road. Connecting to the junctions already near completion means that we are offering a fuller, safer cycle route for those who wish to travel in this way through our borough. Residents can find information and updates on the works on the Trafford Council website and social media.”
Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, added:
“It’s great to see Trafford Council making progress on the temporary scheme that was initially installed during the pandemic. This route provides a vital link to existing routes and further adds to the improvements for people walking, wheeling and cycling, making Trafford the first council to have linked a route that starts in the regional centre out to the M60.”
“Monitoring carried out during the temporary phase of this scheme showed that dedicating this space to walking and cycling increased the number of cycling journeys and recent stats show that on Talbot Road, 16% of journeys are being done by bike. Creating longer routes is integral to building the whole Bee Network, providing choice for people who would prefer not to drive and linking to public transport options too.”
“These improvements to this section of the A56 complement the ongoing regeneration of Stretford town centre, with the whole area being made safer, quieter, and more pleasant by investing in better shared public realm, making it easier to access on foot or by bike.’’