New active travel measures introduced on Talbot Road

New measures to promote cycling and walking in Trafford have officially been unveiled.

Council Leader Tom Ross visited the junction of Talbot Road and White City Way in Stretford to see the various improvements which include a new pedestrian and cyclist friendly junction, smart traffic lights and enhancements to pathways with new cycleways purpose built.

The works are part of a wider initiative to promote active travel (walking and cycling) along Talbot Road up to Chester Road. These aim to have a positive effect on local travel choices and improve healthy living opportunities.

With Trafford a busy area with high traffic volumes, these measure stand to improve driving as well as active travel users. New junctions are clearer for all and smart lights speed up travel whenever possible.

These works have been funded through the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Mayor’s Challenge Fund for active travel.

Cllr Aidan Williams, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change, said: “I am delighted with the results of this new scheme. Trafford Council is totally committed to active travel and making the roads safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. We are proud of the work we are carrying out and will continue to promote this type of environmentally-friendly travel throughout the borough.”

Other parts of the Talbot Road scheme will be completed in early 2024. Details of those openings will be made available in due course.

Richard Nickson, Active Travel Programme Director at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “The now-completed improvements on Talbot Road are going to make journeys much safer for people who are walking, wheeling or cycling along this route. Building safer junctions that provide protection for pedestrians and cyclists on busy roads are key part of the Bee Network, our vision for a fully-integrated transport system connecting all modes of travel.

“They enable easier access to public transport by making it safer and more convenient to cross the road and hop on a bus. And as we begin to roll out bus franchising to other areas of Greater Manchester, it will be important to deliver these kind of changes to support bus and Metrolink journeys.”

Posted on Wednesday 20th December 2023