Work to finalise plans for an Active Neighbourhood in Levenshulme and Burnage will progress this summer following a new agreement between city and transport leaders.
Working collaboratively, Manchester City Council (MCC) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) have agreed the principles of a scheme, that should be capable of meeting the Bee Network standards.
The cost, estimated at £7m in total, is likely to be split between MCC and GMCA. The proposed solution will allow the successful delivery of this project as part of the Bee Network in the local area as well as allowing specific Council-led design choices that respond to public consultation feedback.
Specifically, those elements respond to feedback from the local community on what measures would both significantly improve road safety as well as encouraging walking and cycling journeys.
MCC and TfGM are confident this will result in the best possible scheme being delivered for residents.
A consultation will soon take place on a proposal to include an additional crossing on the A6, expanding the provision of high-quality and safer walking and cycling routes, with the intention being that local people are better connected by safer walking, wheeling, and cycling routes with local shops and facilities.
Final approval of the scheme will come through MCC and GMCA governance processes.
A full programme of the planned works, including detail of the A6 crossing consultation will be published soon.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The successful delivery of the Levenshulme and Burnage Active Neighbourhood has long been a top priority for the Council.
“However, when dealing with a scheme of this nature, which elicits such passion and community feedback, it is vital that we get it right.
“I am pleased that in partnership with TfGM on behalf of the Combined Authority we have developed a scheme that will improve road safety and encouraging people to chose active travel more often.”
Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive Officer at TfGM, said: “I am pleased to confirm that by working together with partners, we can support and progress with an Active Neighbourhood for Levenshulme and Burnage that works for residents and aligns with our Bee Network ambitions.
“The Bee Network will deliver a fully-integrated transport network bringing together trams, buses, walking, wheeling, cycling and eventually trains in Greater Manchester. “