Construction continues on Manchester to Chorlton walking and cycling route

Work on the next phase of the Manchester to Chorlton walking and cycling route is set to get underway next month. 

Construction on the section of the route running from Brooks Bar to the junction of Upper Chorlton Road and Seymour Grove has been scheduled to begin on Monday 12th April. 

It will provide a continuation of the segregated cycleway and introduce cycle bypasses at existing bus stops where possible, plus cycle lanes at the rear of existing parking bays and new parking restrictions, to keep cycle lanes clear of parked vehicles. 

The first section of the £13.4m scheme, which runs between the Chester Road roundabout and Stretford Road, was completed in July 2020 and consists mainly of segregated cycleway, also including the first CYCLOPS junction to be built in the UK, at the junction of Chorlton Road with Royce Road.

The trailblazing “Cycle Optimised Protected Signals” junction fully segregates cyclists from general traffic, improving safety for all road users and was named the winner of the Local Roads Innovation award by the road safety charity Brake, in collaboration with Road Safety GB, in November 2020.   

 Work on the section of the route between Stretford Road and Moss Lane West is ongoing and expected to be completed in Spring 2021. 

This includes segregated cycleways, raised sections of road at junctions to enable pedestrians and wheelchair users to cross more easily, plus changes to parking restrictions. 

Due to the success of the CYCLOPS at Royce Road, a second CYCLOPS is now being created at the junction of Stretford Road and Chorlton Road.  

Construction of the part of the route running along Barlow Moor Road between its junction with Sandy Lane to its junction with Hardy Lane and Mauldeth Road West started at the beginning of March and is expected to be completed in Autumn 2021. 

These upgrades will include segregated cycleways, bus stop bypasses and a number of controlled crossing points, plus a new traffic island and bus stop close to the north entrance of Chorlton Park. 

A follow-up consultation exercise to allow residents to make further comments on the leg of the route running from St Anne’s Road, along Barlow Moor Road and on to Manchester Road at its junction with Upper Chorlton Road and Seymour Grove has been completed, with the results currently being analysed before amended plans for this area are brought forward. 

“This pioneering project has taken a lot of hard work, with consultation at the heart of the process throughout,” said Councillor Angeliki Stogia.

“Construction is now well under way, with the latest phase set to start next month. 

“We are determined to make sure that all Mancunians have access to safe walking and cycling routes that enable them to make more everyday journeys on foot or by bike and this scheme is a huge step forward towards delivering on this ambition.

“We will continue to work closely with neighbouring boroughs to create high quality routes that stand the test of time and work for people who live, work and visit the area.”

Cllr Stephen Adshead from Trafford Council said the priority is to encourage people to be more active and to make it easier to move around the borough.

“The continuation of the walking and cycling route is a brilliant way for residents to get around in a way that is healthy for them and healthy for the environment,” he said.

Greater Manchester’s Walking and Commissioner, Chris Boardman, said: “It’s fantastic to see the latest phase of Chorlton being on the ground.

“This isn’t just a cycling and walking route – it will boost high streets and local businesses, it will provide a new, safe and convenient way for thousands to get to school and work, and it will make the areas near the route more pleasant.

“This is our first major Bee Network route and I cannot wait to come and see it.”