£5m work to improve ‘dangerous’ junction
A£5MILLION scheme to improve one of Macclesfield’s busiest and most dangerous junctions has been approved by the council.
Cheshire East’s cabinet approved the works at the Flowerpot junction, where Congleton Road, Ivy Lane, Oxford Road and Park Lane all meet.
The scheme will see a designated left-turn lane installed, in addition to more space for cyclists and pedestrian crossings added.
It is a location that has been seen as an accident blackspot that was in need to improvements and was the scene of a fatal road accident involving a motorcyclist in 2018.
The project, which should not require planning permission, will be funded from a mixture of government grants, developer contributions, and the council’s capital budget.
The council has committed to paying roughly one-third of the total cost.
Ward councillors at the meeting welcomed the decision, with Councillor Brian Puddicombe saying: “It is good to see the green thread of tackling the climate agenda [in the plans].
“As a local ward member, I do support the much-needed improvements to this junction.
“This is all a part of supporting investment in walking and cycling as part of that green thread.”
The council’s cycling and walking champion, Coun Suzie Akers Smith, welcomed the proposals, but also asked for further design changes to be made to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
She was told by Councillor Laura Crane, cabinet member for highways, that ‘design tweaks’ could be made when the final plans come together.
Work is to be completed by summer 2022.
The junction has long been the site of congestion, with a report into the project identifying ‘proposed developments in the area which would increase pressure on this junction’.