THE ROAD TO THE FUTURE?
Part of Deansgate shut to traffic
THE pedestrianisation of Deansgate began with barriers put up to prevent traffic entering the heart of Manchester city centre.
Engineers worked from 8am on Saturday to install ‘surface guard’ barriers blocking off access to vehicles along a quarter mile stretch of the road.
As reported in the M.E.N., a section of Deansgate between King Street West and Blackfriars Street has been closed to traffic.
Council bosses have said they hope the change will become permanent, subject to consultation.
Campaigners have been calling for more pedestrianisation in the city centre to help people exercise while observing social distancing rules during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. Emergency services will still have full access to the section of Deansgate closed, but the ban applies to buses and all taxis.
Our photograph shows the barriers have spaces through which bicycles can pass. They proclaim: “Our route to a new normal.”
Tree planters have also been placed in the middle of the carriageway.
Road closure signs appear in front of the barriers, alongside signs urging the public to keep their distance during the pandemic. Diversions are in place.
The council’s executive member for the environment, planning and transport, councillor Angeliki Stogia,
encouraged residents and businesses to submit feedback on the ‘walking and cycling shared space.’
She said: “The part-pedestrianisation of Deansgate is about people and their safety as they gradually return to work or visit local businesses. It will aid the city’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic by making sure that there is more space for people in this area. I encourage everyone to give us their feedback and let us know how the scheme affects them, so that we can work together to make it a success.”
Morning-time loading windows for businesses were due to start today. Loading times will be 6am to 8am – Monday to Saturday.
During those times, businesses and their vehicles will be able to access the closed-off section to load or unload goods. The closure, however, will mean Deansgate will be shut to traffic from the Kendals building right up to the St Mary’s Gate crossroads with Blackfriars Street.
Manchester’s roads have been significantly quieter since the order to ‘stay at home’ came and the lockdown began on March 23.
But with the gradual easing of the measures, traffic nationwide is beginning to build again. The council also said it would be extending footways by putting barriers in the road in some key areas. The first streets confirmed for the move are Princess Street and London Road.
● Comments from the public can be submitted via email to trafficfree deansgate@manchester.gov.uk