Salford City Council  is to make £18.8 million worth of improvements to Trafford Road to improve access.

The release of £14.3 million from the Local Growth Deal funding and Mayor’s Cycling and Challenge Fund was approved at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority meeting recently.

Salford City Council will invest £4.5 million which has mainly come from Section 106 contributions from developers. The money is part of a package of measures to improve access to Salford Quays and will be spent on additional traffic lanes to allow vehicles to turn easier, improved signals at junctions and better crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists.

This will see improved journey times to Salford Quays and improve connectivity to and from Ordsall. Fully segregated cycling facilities will be installed thanks to the cash from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund. The specific needs of people with impaired mobility within the project have been developed in consultation with Transport for Greater Manchester’s Disability Deign Reference Group.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “The approval of money for the project is great news for people who live in and travel through the area. With the success of Salford Quays and the increasing number of people who live, work and wish to visit there it is important we do all we can to make it easier for people to travel between places. This in turn will bring increased economic growth, jobs and opportunities to the area which local people can benefit from.

“We must do all we can with the road layout to encourage more people to walk and feel confident and safe to cycle to their destinations. This significant investment is further demonstration of the city’s commitment to encouraging more safe and active travel in Salford from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Mayor’s Cycling and Challenge Fund.”