The work is going ahead thanks to £340,000 funding secured by the Canal & River Trust from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) through the Department for Transport Cycle City Ambition Grant (CCAG).
It will see major improvements along the canal towpath between Bridge 17, School Street in Radcliffe through to Prestolee Horse Bridge in Little Lever, plus a further 450m of towpath improvements close to Elton Reservoir, and repairs to sections of historic stonework.
The new path will ensure that the local community who use the canal for cycling and walking will be able to use this beautiful stretch of waterway all year round. The work is scheduled to last 16 weeks and some towpath restrictions will be in place.
David Baldacchino, Canal and Riverss Trust waterway manager said: “The Canal & River Trust is delighted to be working with Transport for Greater Manchester on this great project to improve a much-used community resource.
“Not only will the new towpath surface benefit cyclists and joggers but also the everyday user of the towpath including walkers, fishermen and families. The canal system is a tranquil haven and these improvements will help make it more accessible to all.”
Cycling and Walking Champion for Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, Councillor Chris Paul, said: “We’ve got big ambitions for cycling and in Greater Manchester we’re already beginning to see more people getting around by bike and on foot following the completion of the first phase of the Cycle City programme.
“By working with partners, we want to link local communities together, and with these improvements along the Manchester, Bury & Bolton Canal, people will find it easier than ever to travel to employment, education and leisure opportunities by bike and on foot.”
