Plans to improve a major Stockport road look set to go-ahead after the government pledged £33.6m towards the works. Highways bosses wants to create a 5.6km cycle route and upgrade roundabouts and junctions along the A34 in Cheadle.
The stretch, between the M60 and A555 has been identified as a 'key bottleneck'. The proposals include creating a segregated cycle track with controlled crossings, which would be connected to the Greater Manchester Cycle Bee network, improvements to the Stanley Green junction and Cheadle Royal Business Park roundabout, and the replacement of the subway at Kingsway School.
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Stockport council say the improvements will generate £76.8 million in 'direct economic benefits' by supporting the development of more than 2,500 new homes and 33.3 hectares of business space, while boosting transport links to Manchester Airport and HS2. Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: "We are committed to delivering world-class infrastructure across Greater Manchester to ensure the local economy can truly thrive.
"This £33.6 million in funding will improve connectivity and attract crucial economic investment to boost local employment and housing development, while giving motorists, cyclists and pedestrians the modern, safe and uncongested roads they deserve. This scheme presents yet another important stepping stone towards building more pedestrian and cycle facilities to create a clean, efficient road network that is truly accessible to all."
The Department for Transport will provide £33.64m towards the project, with Stockport council contributing £560,000. The remaining £6.3 million will be provided by private developers. Coun Colin Macalister, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Stockport council, said: "We believe this new scheme, which includes enhancing and improving the borough’s cycling and walking links, will help to encourage active travel and ensure journey times are improved.
“This scheme, which is subject to full public consultation and planning permission being granted, is much more than just focussing on cars: its aim is to encourage and support more sustainable forms of transport. The A34 is a vital route in the borough, and this investment will bring a host of benefits to not only the A34 corridor, but Stockport as a whole."
The A34 scheme has been approved in principle. It's conditional on the council submitting final business cases once they've secured the legal permissions they need and have chosen a contractor.
