Latest milestone reached in A34 Corridor Improvement Plan

A new milestone has been reached in delivering improvements to active travel along the A34 corridor through Stockport with the completion on a crucial section of the new walking and cycling route from Bruntwood Park towards the A555.

The new section, which runs between Bruntwood Park and Eden Park Road, with a new crossing on Etchells Road, forms part of the wider continuous route that will eventually link directly to the A555, improving north-south connectivity for residents, school communities, and those accessing the borough’s much-loved green spaces.

The enhanced route is already helping parents and carers travelling to Cheadle Catholic Infants School, while providing a new, safer and more enjoyable link through Bruntwood Park.

The A34 Corridor Improvement Plan, funded by the Government, is a multiyear programme designed to enhance sustainable travel, improve the local highway network, and unlock growth potential along one of Stockport’s busiest strategic routes. Planned in phases, the project introduces upgraded pedestrian and cycle facilities, safer crossings, improved junction layouts, and connections to the Bee Network, Greater Manchester’s ambition for a fully integrated active travel system.

Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said:

“The completion of this section of the route is an important milestone for the A34 Corridor Improvement Plan. It demonstrates the real progress being made toward delivering a safer, more accessible and better-connected corridor for everyone. This new link is already proving its value, particularly for families travelling to Cheadle Catholic Infants School, and it provides a high-quality new route through Bruntwood Park for walking, wheeling and cycling.

“This work is part of a much larger programme of investment supported by significant government funding, and we look forward to completing the next connection to the A555 later this year. Together, these improvements will help reduce congestion, support sustainable travel and deliver long-term benefits for residents across Stockport.”

Headteachers, Mrs Fender and Mrs Glynn, from Cheadle Catholic Infants and Junior School, said:

“We’re really pleased to see the improvements delivered through the A34 scheme, which have made a real difference to how our children, families and staff travel to school each day. The new, safer route, that includes the new crossing, has created a much more welcoming and accessible environment, and it’s already encouraging more of our pupils to walk, scoot or cycle.

“We’re grateful for the work that’s gone into making these changes and for the positive impact it’s having on our school community. Helping our children travel safely and confidently is incredibly important to us, and these improvements support exactly that.”

The project aims to support economic growth, improve accessibility, and encourage more people to choose active and sustainable travel modes. 

The A34 improvements are supported by a significant government investment, with nearly £34 million of government funding confirmed to deliver upgrades along the corridor between Cheadle and Handforth.

Construction is being delivered in phases to minimise disruption, with careful coordination between contractors and local partners.