Trafford Council is to consult with residents over plans to upgrade two busy junctions to help improve the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
The Council is working with partner Amey at One Trafford Partnership to improve pedestrian facilities at the A56 Chester Road junction with Talbot Road and the Talbot Road junction with Great Stone Road.
Proposals include the replacement of uncontrolled crossing points, new protected cycle routes with links to existing cycle routes, reduction of traffic lanes and flush kerbs to maintain access to properties.
The scheme is part of the Bee Network vision proposed by Chris Boardman, Greater Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner to make Greater Manchester an easier place for people to get around on foot or by bike.
The consultation takes place between May 24 and June 6. Postcards containing further information will be delivered to residents, who can have their say by emailing mcf@amey.co.uk by 06 June 2021. For more information on the scheme visit the webpage or follow the conversation at @OneTrafford.
In support of this ambition, the Mayor of Greater Manchester allocated £160 million to the Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund (MCF) to develop walking and cycling infrastructure across the region, which the team at One Trafford Partnership were successful in securing funding for seven schemes, totalling circa £40m through a bidding process. The schemes have been prioritised for delivery, which includes these proposals for the A56 Chester Road junction with Talbot Road, and the Talbot Road junction with Great Stone Road.
Councillor Stephen Adshead, Executive Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, at Trafford Council said: “The two junction upgrades which are part of the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) will make vast improvements to pedestrian safety by introducing pedestrian crossing facilities where there are none, as well as improving crossing facilities for people who want to cycle. The local community deserves good crossing facilities so that if people want to walk and cycle in their local area to get to school or work or even for a stroll, they can do so safely.”
Chris Boardman, Greater Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner, said: “More people travelling on foot or by bike is a by-product of creating better places to live, work and socialise. The junction upgrades in Trafford will make life easier for people who want to be able to make local trips on foot or by bike, leaving the car at home.”
The proposed junction improvements are unrelated to the temporary pop-up cycle lane on the A56, which is funded the Active Travel Fund, and will be subject to a separate public consultation about the long-term approach to improve transport links on the A56.
Posted on Monday 24th May 2021