Managing the work - Phase 2
This scheme is now moving into a new phase, and measures have already been put into place which are designed to make walking and cycling in the north and east of the city a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
What's already happened?
Construction of a new parallel crossing on Redhill Street was completed in April 2022, where a new parallel zebra crossing provides a safe crossing point for all users, including those walking or cycling to New Islington Free School.
Due to other works in the area on the Ancoats Experimental Traffic Restriction Order Trial, the next phase of construction work - improving junctions and crossings on Pollard Street/Great Ancoats Street Junction and on Old Mill Street has had to be delayed. This work is now due to start in January 2025.
What's happening next?
We now have final designs for the proposed improvements to the junctions of Oldham Road and Rochdale Road with Thompson Street, and along Thompson Street. It’s part of a new continuous cycling and walking route connecting the north and east of the city to the city centre, and linking Ancoats, New Islington, New Cross, New Town, Redbank and the Green Quarter.
At the junction of Rochdale Road with Thompson Street, we will be installing a cyclops-style (cycle optimised) junction, which allows pedestrians and cycles to cross separately and includes signals for cyclists. Traffic modelling has been completed to assess the impact on the highway network, and although there will be a slight increase in general traffic delay, it is still anticipated to operate well. The proposed prohibition of driving at the top of Ludgate Hill will create a safe cycle route from and to Rochdale Road, and new signals will improve the junction at Gould Street/Rochdale Road.
We also have plans for an additional bridge to cross the Ashton Canal, and we want to know what you think of them.
Rochdale Road and Thompson Street/Thompson Street and Oldham Road
Another cyclops-style junction (cycle optimised) which allows pedestrians and cycles to cross separately and includes signals for cyclists will be installed at the junction of Oldham Road with Thompson Steet.
Cycle segregation on Thompson Street between Oldham Road and Rochdale Road is proposed on both sides, to provide a safe cycling link between Oldham Road and Rochdale Road. We also propose the removal of on-street parking, to provide an unobstructed segregated cycle route. A new zebra crossing will be installed on Thompson Street to the west of its junction with Cassidy Close.
Download plans for Rochdale Road and Thompson Street/Thompson Street and Oldham Road
What do local people think?
In the last consultation, most people believed the scheme would have a positive impact on all groups, with 55% agreeing there would be a positive impact for ‘Local residents’, asked if the proposed changes will make it more or less likely that they will walk or cycle more in the area, the majority answered that they would be more likely - or much more likely - to walk (46%) and cycle (44%).
Work to install the measures at the junctions of Thompson Street with Oldham Road and Rochdale Road is due to start in early 2024. If you have any concerns or issues around the proposals, you can contact the project team responsible by email at nqwalkingcycling@manchester.gov.uk