Wider pavements, segregated cycle lanes and more one-ways in new plans for Manchester city centre

Plans for wider pavements, segregated cycle lanes and more one-way streets in Manchester city centre have been laid out as a new consultation is launched. Under the latest proposals, Deansgate would have a two-way cycle lane and Whitworth Street West would be closed off to cars along Deansgate Locks.

New crossings would be installed as part of the upgrades to the junction at the train station and along Deansgate, some side streets would be one-way only. Some parking spaces and unused or temporary bus stops would also be removed on parts of the main road which would offer less space to cars.

There are also plans for segregated cycle lanes near Piccadilly Station where eight new crossings - including one over the tram tracks - would be installed. Manchester council's executive member for environment Tracey Rawlins, said the public is in favour of reducing the number of cars in the city centre and making it easier for people to commute by bike, by foot or by public transport.

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She said: "Manchester has an ambitious goal of becoming zero carbon by 2038 and it is through schemes like the Active Travel Fund that we will encourage people to a long-term shift to more sustainable and green ways of travelling. I hope people will take the time to take part in this consultation and help shape a city centre which is cleaner and greener."

The City Centre Active Travel Scheme is split into two sections – Chester Road, Bridgewater Viadcut, Deansgate and Whitworth Street West, and another for Whitworth Street, Fairfield Street, Aytoun Street and London Road.

Two-way segregated cycle lanes and crossings are planned in both parts. Only buses,