Boost for walkers' and bikers' safety on Chester Road

Work is due to start on a scheme to upgrade walking and cycling facilities on Chester Road in Stretford. This work is part of the Trafford council’s ongoing push to support active travel and forms part of wider cycling and walking improvements along the A56 north corridor.

It will see cycle lanes segregated from traffic by segregation posts being installed on both sides of Chester Road from the junction of Talbot Road to Bridgewater Way, connecting to the existing cycle lane along Talbot Road. The work will eliminate the need for the temporary traffic coned pop-up cycle lanes on Bridgewater Way and these will be removed.

Temporary pop-up cycle lanes were installed on the A56 during lockdown in 2020 following Government advice to encourage social distancing and to promote active travel like cycling and walking. As part of the work, and to improve safety on the road, existing uncontrolled crossings and on-street parking will be removed and two new zebra crossings will be introduced.

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Town hall bosses say they have taken on board feedback from a consultation with local residents and businesses. The authority has opted to remove the parking bays to make it safer for cyclists who may be using the route.

Coun Aidan Williams, Trafford council’s executive member for climate change and transport strategy, said: “Trafford Council is totally committed to active travel and making the roads safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. The aim of this scheme is to provide safer active travel along Chester Road to encourage people to opt for non-motorised forms of transport such as walking