Manchester to roll out more active travel improvements at key junctions

Greater Manchester council leaders from have approved an additional £2.1m to improve key junctions for walking, wheeling and cycling at seven locations across Greater Manchester.

Dame Sarah Storey, Greater Manchester’s active travel commissioner, said, “In order to successfully connect the Bee Network and ensure people can access public transport by walking, wheeling or cycling, it is vital that high quality crossings are delivered in conjunction with other infrastructure.

“Feeling unsafe whilst crossing roads is one of the main barriers for people making their short journeys on foot, in a wheelchair, or when accompanied by children or older people who don’t feel as quick as they once did.

“I’m pleased to see a further seven crossings being confirmed and am looking forward to seeing the pipeline further developed so the benefits can be felt across the region.”

The seven new schemes are being delivered as part of the Bee Network crossings project, which was established in 2019 to make it safer for people to cross busy roads in key locations across the city. The project aims to deliver 35 crossings, or upgraded junctions with crossing facilities, across all ten local authorities.

In 2020, the first 17 crossings were approved for development in Harpurhey and Bury following a £2.4m investment. Five of ten new or upgraded crossings in the Harpurhey area are now fully operational. The outstanding crossings are expected to be operational this autumn.

The scheme also renovated two existing road closure points to make them fully accessible for walking, cycling and wheeling.

The final 11 crossings are in development for sites across Greater Manchester and, subject to approval, will be implemented in 2023.