A NOTORIOUSLY busy junction in Denton is subject of a new scheme to promote walking and cycling after a £13 million boost from the Government.
Crown Point has long been the bane of many people’s lives as the main A57 road crosses the A6017 Stockport Road.
Often the sight of traffic queues, it is also difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate.
But after the cash from the Government’s Active Travel fund was handed to Transport for Grater Manchester (TfGM), work will be done to help those on foot or bike.
Two CYCLOPS – Cycle Optimised Protected Signal – junctions will be created at the Crown Point junction and the A57 Hyde Road/Saxon Street junction.
They separate pedestrians and cyclists from each other and from motor traffic, eliminating some of the most hazardous conflicts on the road network.
These will support safer access to services and facilities within Denton town centre and provide health benefits through increased physical activity and reduced dependency on private vehicles.
The money is part of a larger scheme which will see six cycling and walking go-ahead in Greater Manchester following a £13.07 million funding boost from the (tranche three), the Department for Transport.
Andy Burnham, Mayor for Greater Manchester, said: “It’s brilliant that we have been awarded more funding from government that will allow us to continue delivering high quality, accessible and safe active travel infrastructure across GM.
“Over the next 12 months we will continue to build on the plans to make active travel the number one choice in our city-region for everyday trips to work, school and the shops, or as part of a longer journey using public transport.”
Dame Sarah Storey, the Mayor’s Active Travel Commissioner, added: “I’m delighted to receive news of the additional investment from government into the active travel routes across Greater Manchester.
“It’s very clear to see the high ambition across the region and funding boosts like this enable the momentum to continue.
“I’m looking forward to working with our local authority partners to make these schemes a reality and to enable more people to benefit from choosing active travel for the daily trips.”
The Denton scheme is part of the third lot of funding Greater Manchester has received from the Government’s Active Travel Fund.
But it will not go in straight away as it is subject to public consultation and further design development prior to implementation.