A ZEBRA crossing on a busy road in Ashton-under-Lyne, which has been the scene of multiple incidents in recent years, is being upgraded.
Transport for Greater Manchester has secured funding from the Government to enhance the existing crossing on Cavendish Street, near the junctions of Hill Street and Higher Wharf Street.
Work is under way to turn it into a signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossing, and widen surrounding footpaths.
It’s expected to be completed within four months, by around mid-May.
Concerns have long been raised about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists using the crossing, near to the Asda supermarket.
There have been a number of near-misses and incidents, including in October 2022 when a young girl was taken to hospital after sustaining a serious head injury when hit by a car.
The crossing upgrade, as part of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s Challenge Fund Scheme, is part of a wider programme called the Bee Active Network to make walking, wheeling and cycle trips easier, safer and more attractive.
A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “We can unlock the potential of our local roads and communities by providing easy crossing points, thereby creating more opportunities to walk, wheel and cycle, which is the aim of this scheme.
“The crossing points will be across busy roads meaning that cycling, wheeling and walking can more readily become the natural choice for local trips in the area.”
They added: “Active travel is essential to improving health and wellbeing, reducing emissions and tackling the cost-of-living crisis.”
Residents are advised that the work on Cavendish Street is being undertaken by Tameside Council’s Engineering Services during normal working hours, however some early morning, evening and weekend work may be required at times.
Access for pedestrians to nearby premises will be maintained throughout the work.