Bridge Street and John Dalton Street (A34) Improvements Phase 1: Second Round Consultation
We want our city to be a great place to be. Somewhere that people want to visit, live and work, with clean air and safe, green, and pleasant streets. To get this we’ve got to make some big changes so we can have the city centre we deserve.
In February and March 2024, we gathered feedback on our plans to improve John Dalton Street and Bridge Street to create a nicer, safer and greener walking route.
Around 200 people participated through various channels, including the council’s website, email, post, and in-person events. We also held briefings with businesses and stakeholders.
Feedback Highlights
Participants were generally supportive of:
- Wider Footways: More space for people waiting at bus stops.
- Raised Crossings: Side roads will be raised to footway level, enhancing pedestrian safety.
- More Crossings: Increased number of number of pedestrian crossings along the route.
Concerns Raised
The main concern was about reducing road width, with worries about potential traffic flow and congestion. We have revised the design based on this feedback.
Key Changes Based on Feedback
Bus Stops
New Locations: Bus stops are now in laybys on Bridge Street and John Dalton Street, allowing two-way traffic even when buses are stopped.
Longer Stops: Some bus stops have been extended to accommodate two buses at once without blocking traffic.
Relocation: One bus stop on Bridge Street has been moved to a wider area near Albert Bridge House for better traffic flow.
Pedestrian Improvements
Wider Footways: Footways have been widened where possible, especially at busy junctions, primarily on the south side of Bridge Street and John Dalton Street.
New Crossings: New pedestrian-controlled crossings will be added at several key junctions, including Gartside Street and St Mary’s Parsonage.
Raised Crossings: Raised crossings designed to slow traffic as they turn into Left Bank will be added at several junctions, including Bow Lane, Four Yards, Bow Street, St James’s Square, Ridgefield, and Dolefield
Loading Bays
Business Needs: Loading areas will be created on Bridge Street and part of John Dalton Street, available from 6 AM to 10 AM, reverting to footway space afterward.
Larger Bays: Some loading bays will be expanded to accommodate more vehicles, such as those on St James’s Square and Southgate.
On the north side of Bridge Street and John Dalton Street, loading is allowed for up to 15 mins at non-peak times to help keep traffic clear. There are also additional bays on side streets with longer loading periods.
Taxi Services
Shared Taxi Rank: A shared loading bay and taxi rank for two taxis will be established on Bridge Street near Co-op Food in Spinningfields.
New Rank Location: Another taxi rank will be created on St James’ Square, with a change in traffic direction for passenger safety.
Disabled Parking
New Spaces: Two disabled parking spaces will be added on St James’ Square and two more near the People’s History Museum on Left Bank.
Cyclist Awareness
Cycle Symbols: Large cycle symbols will be painted on Bridge Street and John Dalton Street to enhance cyclist visibility.
Get Involved
The second round of consultation runs from 25 November 2024 to 5 January 2025.
You can download the revised plans that reflect the feedback from the first consultation.
Please review the proposals and share your thoughts through our survey.
Engagement Events
We will hold public meetings for those affected by the scheme to ask questions and provide feedback, both online and in person:
- Drop-in event: Monday 9 December 4pm to 7pm, Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street M25NS
- Online event: Tuesday 10 December 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Email a34corridor@manchester.gov.uk to receive a link to a Microsoft teams meeting
After the consultation, there will be a legal process allowing further comments or objections regarding waiting and loading arrangements.