Ready to bridge gap for cyclists

THE new pedestrian bridge over a busy route into Manchester is to be installed in the near future.

Work is underway to widen a notorious bottleneck on the A57 in Gorton, which runs into the city centre from Tameside.

As part of the work, a 19th century steel former railway bridge which crossed the road, and was part of the Fallowfield Loop walking and cycling route, was removed. It is to be a replaced by a green footbridge for walkers and cyclists.

Weather permitting, the operation to install the new bridge is due to take place on the weekend of June 27-28.

There will be a full closure of Hyde Road between the junctions with Reddish Lane and

Chapman Street during the work. It will delivered in a single piece and be lowered into position in a single lift.

Coun Angeliki Stogia said: “The new and improved bridge will also enhance the Fallowfield Loop cycling and walking route and we are very grateful to people travelling by bike or on foot in this area for bearing with the inconvenience while waiting for the new bridge to be installed.”

Bosses say the work to widen the road from two lanes to four between the Waggon and Horses pub and Debdale Park, which began last October, is set to last 10-12 months in total.

They say it will reduce congestion, reduce journey times and improve air quality.

The new bridge was previously subject to a row over access.

Plans to include a staircase from street level up to the bridge were ditched after concerns were raised over disabled access.

Bosses said too much privately owned land would have to be acquired to install an accessible ramp so the plans for stairs were shelved as it was deemed unfair on those who couldn’t use them.

They said there were instead numerous existing access points to the Fallowfield Loop.