Residents are being asked to give their views on a number of planned walking and cycling schemes worth nearly £1m that will see some Tameside roads closed to cars.
Three schemes are being proposed by the council for roads in Droylsden, Stalybridge and Audenshaw which will see a range of measures, including new pedestrian crossings.
However a proposal for Ross Lave Lane in Denton will not be going ahead due to the ‘affordability’ in the overall Mayor’s Challenge Fund, which is being used to deliver the Bee Network, and technical challenges.
The estimated cost of the three latest schemes in Tameside is £970,000, according to a report presented to cabinet.
At Rayner Lane in Droylsden chiefs are proposing an improved off-highway cycle and pedestrian route between the Ashton Moss Metrolink stop on Lord Sheldon Way and Heron Drive in Audenshaw.
It would connect to existing cycling and walking facilities, with filtered access points at both ends and see a shared footway and cycleway created on both sides of the road.
“This will provide safe connectivity for all users between Ashton town centre and existing cycle routes towards Droylsden, Audenshaw and Manchester beyond,” officers state.
At Stamford Drive in Stalybridge, the town hall’s plan is to improve the environment for neighbourhoods south of the A635 Stamford Street, between Ashton and Stalybridge by reducing the number and speed of vehicles on the streets.
The scheme extends from Currier Lane to Stamford Drive via Granville Street, Rutland Street, Corkland Street, Frederick Street and Clarence Street.
It would see Frederick Street closed to cars and vehicles at the junction with Clarence Street with access permitted only for pedestrians and cyclists.
A new toucan crossing is also proposed to improve connectivity between Frederick Street and Stamford Drive, making it safer.
Improvements at the junction of Granville St, Stamford Square, Currier Lane and Dysart Street are also being put forward to promote pedestrian connectivity.
Under the plans the footways would be widened and the road widths reduced, with tighter ‘junction radii’ to slow motorised vehicles.
The report states: “These features are aimed at supporting a reduction in traffic volumes and speed on these residential streets.”
In Audenshaw the council is proposing a new crossing of Audenshaw Road to connect Clarendon Road with Kershaw Lane.
“This will prioritise pedestrian and cycle movements across this busy road,” officers state. “By restricting traffic movements, through traffic will be prevented from using Clarendon Road thereby reducing the volume and speed of traffic.”
It would also see a number of other interventions, including Clarendon Road closed at the junction with Audenshaw Road, and a turning head created on Clarendon Road to enable cars to turn round ahead of the closure.
Chiefs are also planning to close Kershaw Lane at the junction with Audenshaw Road, despite this meaning that Kershaw Lane would need to be reconnected to Aldwyn Park Road.
Officers say ‘engagement with local residents is underway to determine the acceptability of this proposal’.
An additional new segregated crossing of the B6390 Audenshaw Road would also enable pedestrians and cyclists to cross ‘safely’.
Bosses say that the Bee Network, once complete, will cover around 1,800 miles in Greater Manchester and will be be the longest, integrated, planned network in the country.
Dukinfield and Stalybridge Councillor Eleanor Wills said she supported the plans.
“When we look at the health and well-being of our population across Tameside looking at alternatives to getting in your car and driving, anything that focuses on those healthier lifestyle changes, culture changes are welcomed,” she added.
Coun Bill Fairfoull, who represents Ashton St Michael’s ward added: “Part of this is in my ward, it’s been a very problematic area for speeding traffic in a dense residential area and I obviously welcome the investment in this.”
A four week consultation will take place into the plans.
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