Stevenson Square is to be designated as a temporary pedestrian and cycle-only zone from tomorrow.
The move is part of Manchester City Council’s ongoing work to create more road space for people as they return to the city centre for work, or to visit businesses.
Ducie Street, near Manchester Piccadilly station, will also be closed to traffic between London Road and Dale Street from Friday, while Withy Grove is to be made a one-way route, to provide more space for pedestrians.
Stevenson Square and the section of Ducie Street will both become pedestrian and cycle zones seven days per week until further notice, with access for businesses provided from 6 – 10am daily. Buses which previously used Stevenson Square will be diverted along Lever Street to Great Ancoats Street and into Oldham Street, with alternative layover facilities provided on Lever Street. Vehicle access to Dale Street will be provided via Great Ancoats Street.
The Ducie Street part-closure is designed to remove the need for pedestrians to gather in groups waiting at traffic lights and to prevent queueing vehicles from blocking trams and buses on Aytoun Street.
Manchester City Council has already designated a new temporary traffic-free zone to keep people safe on Deansgate and extended the traffic-free hours for an existing pedestrian and cycle zone on Thomas Street, in the Northern Quarter. All measures are temporary to help the public avoid danger from traffic while observing the requirement to socially distance.
Footways have also been widened at a series of busy city centre and district centres, making more room for social distancing as people walk safely between major transport hubs and local businesses.
