Road changes could make area’s travel more ‘active’
MAJOR changes are being planned in a Stockport neighbourhood which could get a new ‘active travel’ network.
The scheme, in Edgeley, is being planned alongside engineering works by Network Rail due to begin in 2025 to replace the Greek Street Bridge and Stockholm Road Bridge due to their deteriorating condition.
Traffic disruption could hit the areas for up to nine months while work to replace the bridges takes place.
Plans for the new ‘active travel’ network in the neighbourhood include improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure around the Greek Street roundabout area.
A public consultation has been launched by Stockport council to gather feedback from residents and businesses on the plan.
It states: “We will continue to work with Network Rail over the coming months to develop diversion plans for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles while the bridges are being replaced and this information will be published nearer to the time once confirmed.
“In addition to the work Network Rail will be undertaking, Stockport Council has identified this area to form part of the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement funding (CRSTS) for walking and cycling improvements.
“A scheme has been developed that is focussed on delivering a pedestrian and cycle network around Greek Street roundabout.”
The plan is set to be partly funded by CRSTS with additional developer funding supporting the scheme.
A number of changes are proposed including:
●●Changes to the size of the Greek Street roundabout with new zebra crossings
●●New pedestrian and cycle paths on Booth Street with a change of traffic flow from two way movements to a one way route eastbound
●●Improvements to pedestrian facilities on Castle Street with bollards
●●A small segregated section of pedestrian and cycling route between
Thomson Street Bridge and Thomson Street carriageway
Part B of the plans will focus on improvements to the wider Edgeley area, with proposals for new routes segregated from traffic, upgrades to pedestrian crossings and traffic lights for new signalled junctions.
This part of the scheme is currently unfunded but would link into existing routes in the neighbourhood if approved.
Work to replace the Greek Street Bridge and Stockholm Road Bridge is a key development for Stockport and is set to include space for a future tram track, potentially allowing the Metrolink to be expanded to the town in the coming years.
A drop in sessions on the active travel plans is due to take place in Edgeley Park on Hardcastle Street on February 20 from 2pm to 8pm. The consultation can also be accessed online and is running until February 25