Image: TfGM
Five proposed additions to Stockport’s sustainable travel network have had the go-ahead for construction to begin this summer.
Greater Manchester’s Bee Network committee approved the schemes at its meeting on Thursday June 27th: Heatons Link Phase 2, Ladybrook Valley, Romiley to Stockport East, Hempshaw Lane Improvements and Woodley to Bredbury Parkway Improvements.
The schemes have been funded via the Government’s Active Travel scheme and the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements programme and in some cases will complete routes that have already been built, including a missing section of the Ladybrook Valley route. Plans in the Heatons will connect the Fallowfield Loop route across South Manchester with the Trans Pennine Trail.
Cllr Grace Baynham, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said:
“I’m really pleased that TfGM’s Active Travel board has approved five projects that will help to further boost our sustainable travel network in our borough.
“We want to encourage sustainable methods of travel as a method of getting from A to B for our residents and these new improvements will help them achieve this goal.
“These new schemes will work alongside existing schemes to create a joined-up network connecting our communities.
“I’m particularly pleased we can now expand two of our existing routes in the Heatons and Ladybrook Valley, which I’m sure will help to transform journeys in that area.
“Working together with our partners to create a clear vision will make Stockport a happy and healthy place to live, work and play.”
Richard Nickson, Network Director for Active Travel, said:
“These new approved schemes in Stockport are part of wider ambition to deliver the Bee Network, a fully-integrated active travel and public transport network.
“The schemes will provide high-quality, safe walking, wheeling and cycling routes and connections for people in Stockport, while also making also making Greater Manchester as a whole an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Image: TfGM
Construction on all schemes is set to begin in late Summer, and follows on from the opening of the helix ramp at Stockport Interchange.
The ramp, which opened in June, seamlessly links the town’s bus Interchange with the railway station, the town centre, the riverside for the first time in generations, and now the cross-country walking route, the Trans Pennine Trail. The trail connects the East and West coasts of the UK across the north of England, enabling walkers and cyclists to enjoy more than 215 miles of surfaced paths.
Cllr Grace Baynham, added:
“It’s great to see so many people using the helix ramp at the Interchange and connecting with the Trans Pennine Trail within a month of opening.
“I’ve seen first-hand people of all ages using it and the numbers recorded show it’s a vital part of our town centre infrastructure.
“We have some fantastic countryside on our doorstep, and being able to be a well-connected gateway to all that the Peak District has to offer is great for our residents.”
In Stockport the Trans Pennine Trail has two options: one taking in the attractions of the centre – including the unique Hat Museum, the historic Market Place and Underbanks – and quieter route to the north of the town. The trail then leaves Stockport through the Tame Valley. The helix ramp will allow a seamless connection between the Interchange’s bridge over Daw Bank, via the cycle and pedestrian paths in Viaduct Park, forming a long-distance cycling route which connects the train station to areas in the south-west of Stockport and the town centre and beyond.
In addition, cycle parking has been created at Viaduct Park, on Swaine St and in the nearby A6 arch adjacent to the Trans Pennine Trail route to support residents travelling by bike.
The new ramp, which has been built by Transport for Greater Manchester and worked on by Council officers has been funded via a Government backed Active Travel Fund that will support the Greater Manchester-wide Bee Network programme to make cycling and walking easier and more attractive for residents and businesses.
