Plans to boost Manchester city centre’s walking and cycling infrastructure have today (Thursday 19 December) been published, to allow the public to have their say.
The consultation period for a scheme which will create a route running between Piccadilly and Victoria railway stations via the thriving Northern Quarter, is open until Monday 17 February 2020.
The Northern Quarter walking and cycling improvement scheme includes new segregated lanes and signals for cyclists, resurfaced walkways and upgraded pedestrian crossings, a reduction in on-street parking, more trees and improvements to public spaces – including the partial pedestrianisation of Stevenson Square.
The plans, which can be viewed at www.manchester.gov.uk/consultations, include the removal and possible relocation of on-street parking bays from Dale Street, cycle segregation and protection on High Street and cycle lanes for both sides of Withy Grove. As part of the proposed scheme, no vehicles would be able to use Stevenson Square between Oldham Street and Newton Street to travel towards Piccadilly, with the existing stretch of highway being removed and a new cycle lane added.
Thomas Street would become a pedestrian and cycle-only zone under the plans, except for loading permitted between defined times in the mornings and evenings, while traffic would be permitted to turn right from Shudehill to use a currently tram-only stretch of High Street.
A series of events will be held in January, to allow interested parties to view the plans and provide their comments in person.
The project is part of the proposed Greater Manchester-wide ‘Bee Network’, which will become the UK’s largest joined-up network for pedestrians and people on bikes. It is being funded thanks to a £10.6m contribution from the GM Mayor’s Challenge Fund, plus an additional £1m via a government Cycle Cities Ambition Grant.
