Consultation begins on Heaton Chapel walking and cycling upgrades

Local residents are being invited to share their views on proposals to improve safety for those walking and cycling on Broadstone Road in Heaton Chapel.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), in partnership with Stockport Council, are proposing the installation of a new signal junction that will form part of the city-region-wide Bee Network of walking and cycling connections – set to be the largest in the UK.

The proposed changes include:

• Introducing a new signalised junction at the crossroads of Broadstone Road with Broadstone Hall Road North and Broadstone Hall Road South with pedestrian and cycle crossings on all arms.
• Widening existing footpaths on all corners of the junction to make more room for pedestrians and cyclists to share the space when using the crossings.
• New parking restrictions, with double yellow lines, on the approaches to the junction.
• New bus stop road markings and raised kerbs installed on the southern arm of the junction, on Broadstone Road.
• Advanced Cycle Stop Lines placed on all arms of the junction.

Grater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, Dame Sarah Storey, explained:

“It is great to see the consultation phase open for this crossing location. A fundamental part of the Bee Network becoming a fully integrated transport system is having well-connected, safe and accessible places for people to cross busier roads, whether they are on foot or cycle.

“This is a busy location, close to the heart of Reddish and I encourage everyone who uses the road, whether on foot or bike already or keen to do so in future, to get involved and have their say on the proposed improvements on Broadstone Road.

“Collaborating on solutions within communities is a vital part of a transparent and community focused approach to creating places that are suitable and accessible for all. Whether you live, work and go to school near to the proposed crossing, all feedback and suggestions are welcome.”

Cllr Grace Baynham, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Parks and Leisure Services, said:

“We’re asking residents for their views on plans to upgrade a crossing on Broadstone Road, which is an important junction for children and parents who need to access the nearby Broadstone Hall Primary School.

“I would like to add though that this consultation is not connected in any way to the recent Active Neighbourhood trial that took place in the area.

“The scheme being brought forward for consultation is part of the Mayor’s Challenge Fund, which is key to our aim of creating new walking and cycling links so we can increase the number of our residents who cycle and walk to their destination – whether that be to work, school, or for leisure purposes.”

The consultation is being run by TfGM online, and local residents have until Friday 12th August to share their views on the plans.

Anyone with views and opinions on the proposed improvements can have their say via the online survey or contact TfGM to access the survey in an alternative format by email, by phone on 0161 244 1000 or by writing to Bee Networks Crossings – Stockport, 2 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BG