Cycle path plan would see bridge demolished
COUNCIL CHIEFS PLAN TO REPLACE ‘OLD AND NARROW STRUCTURE’
AN HISTORIC bridge over the River Mersey could be torn down to make way for a new cyclepath.
Jackson’s Boat Bridge, in Sale, has been popular with walkers and cyclists for decades.
The footbridge sits along the Trans Pennine Trail, next to the popular Jackson’s Boat pub.
But Trafford council is planning to replace the ‘old, narrow and deteriorating structure’ with a brand new bridge.
The council has been awarded a £2,675,000 grant to improve cycling facilities near the M60 and within the Mersey Valley between Urmston and Sale Water Park.
It is hoped the scheme will improve the cycle route from Mersey Valley Visitor’s Centre, next to the motorway, to Jackson’s Boat Bridge across the Mersey.
If approved, a new wider bridge with an improved embankment approach could be installed by summer 2019.
This would improve the current route, which planners say has an ‘extremely steep slope’ onto Rifle Road by the Jackson’s Boat pub car park.
The plans are part of a wider scheme to improve off road cycle routes on each side of the M60 between Sale and Carrington.
It will include a route that passes over the M60 at Sale Water Park, under the M60 adjacent to the Altrincham Metrolink line and either side of the M60 bridge at Stretford Meadows.
Improvements to routes at Ivy Green Woods and along the River Mersey at Sale Water Park would also be included.
Council planners say the new cycling facilities will provide ‘integrated, high quality routes that are safe, direct, connected, comfortable and attractive’ and will link with wider cycle networks.
A Trafford council planning report states: “Highways England has a series of ring fenced funds to address a range of issues beyond the traditional focus of road investment.
“Included is a cycling, safety and integration fund which is to be used to improve cycling facilities on or near Highway England’s road network and to reduce the impact of the network as a barrier to cycling.”
A decision about the proposed scheme was due to be made by Trafford council’s executive members yesterday.
Consultations will take place in the coming months with construction estimated to be completed by late summer 2019.