Better provision for pedestrians and cyclists as highways improvement scheme progresses

by Adrian Tatum

Work is progressing on the latest highways scheme to improve walking and cycling provision in Cheshire East.

The B5358, in Handforth, is undergoing significant improvements, including a new shared footpath for pedestrians and cyclists, including widening of the footway, new drainage, kerbing, refreshed road markings, improvements to a controlled pedestrian crossing, and the installation of additional traffic calming measures. Some urban roads will see new parking bays to aid traffic flow.

The work is taking place in four phases and is due to last ten weeks through to 1 December. Funding is from the A555 Manchester Airport Link Road (SEMMMS) scheme, which set aside monies to provide improvements to cycling and walking routes.

A new shared footpath will be constructed between Spath Lane’s southern junction and Clay Lane, linking with the existing walking and cycling route alongside the A555. Spath Lane will see new parking bays created between the junctions of Henbury Road and Ollerton Road.

Councillor Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council deputy leader and chair of the council’s highways and transport committee, said: “These are extensive improvements, which will make a real difference to the active travel journeys for pedestrians and cyclists in this part of the borough.

“While there is never a right time to carry out this kind of scheme, we hope that residents and businesses will bear with us as we endeavour to minimise any disruption. Traffic management is in place to ensure the safety of the public, drivers and our highways workforce.”

The programme of works will see:

Phase 1 (25 September – 16 October) Two-way traffic signals on B5358 Wilmslow Road between St Mary’s Methodist Church and Kingston Road, including a closure of Kingston Road at junction with Wilmslow Road;
Phase 2 (17 October – 26 October) northbound lane closure from Hanna Court to Clay Lane roundabout;
Phase 3 (27 October – 9 November) two-way temporary traffic signals between Spath Lane and Hanna Court; and
Phase 4 (10 November – 1 December) three-way temporary lights on Wilmslow Road between Kingston Road and Spath Lane, with road closure on Spath Lane (north) between Kingston Road and roundabout.

All residents and businesses directly affected by the works are being informed and access for all emergency services, cyclists and pedestrians will be facilitated during closures, however, we ask that where works are to be carried out no vehicles are left parked at the roadside.

Councillor Browne added: “Unfortunately, a scheme of this nature cannot be achieved without some inconvenience, therefore, we ask that people prepare for delays when making their journeys during these works, which are part of the council’s drive to see more sustainable travel across the borough, with improved provision for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Further investment in active travel is planned for Manchester Road, Wilmslow in 2024, creating a vastly improved corridor for pedestrians and cyclists between Wilmslow and the A555.