A34 cycle lane plan secures government funding

A proposed segregated cycle lane alongside the A34 in Cheadle has been awarded £320,000 of government funding from the Department of Transport (DfT) as part of a Transport for the North proposal for £700 million of investment, the Manchester Evening News has reported.

The DfT grant will fund developing the business case for the cycle lane, which will run alongside the A34 in Cheadle, and connect with the wider Bee Network of walking and cycling routes across Greater Manchester. 

The section of the A34 between the M60 and A555 junctions is one of the most congested parts of Stockport’s road network, so the new cycle lane is also proposed to encourage more active travel and relieve congestion.

Plans for the 5.6 km route include the segregated cycle lane, as well as upgrades to roundabouts and junctions on the A34 and safer crossings for cyclists. Both the Stanley Green roundabout and junction at Cheadle Royal will see improvements in the proposed scheme. Stockport Council also propose replacing the subway at the Kingsway School.

Another proposed scheme, extended the A555 Airport Relief Road from High Lane to the M60 junction at Bredbury was not awarded funding, as it was not included on the shortlist for Transport for the North’s funding pot, due to opposition by green belt campaigners.

The Bee Network is Greater Manchester’s plan for 1800 miles of cycling and walking routes across the city-region. The project, promoted by the city-region’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner and former professional cyclist, Chris Boardman, aims to deliver a 350% increase in cycling, as well as fighting air pollution by encouraging active and sustainable travel.