More plans announced to get Wiganers walking and cycling

More details of the latest schemes to make Wigan a greener place which is better for walking and cycling have been revealed.
Cycle routes around the Saddle junction are getting an upgradeCycle routes around the Saddle junction are getting an upgrade
Cycle routes around the Saddle junction are getting an upgrade

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has asked the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to approve projects in Gidlow and Swinley and in Astley as part of a regional masterplan.

Improvements to the infrastructure for those seeking alternatives to the car are already being done, with massive changes being made to the Saddle junction to make it safer and easier for cyclists to get around.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The scheme close to Wigan town centre involves putting in more pedestrian crossings to make it easier to get about on foot.

Junctions which already have traffic lights but no pedestrian facilities will have crossings put in place if the idea goes ahead.

There will be new places for those walking or on two wheels to get across the road at the junctions of Gidlow Lane and Spencer Road West, Mesnes Road and Walkden Avenue and

Springfield Road and Park Road. Crossings will also be installed where Gidlow Lane and Park Road meet and at the junction of Frog Lane and Dorning Street.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund will be asked for a funding bid of up to £700,000 to realise the project, with the town hall contributing £20,000.

Council leader David Molyneux said: “We want to make it easier for people to switch from their cars to walking and cycling and this funding will help make it an easier choice to make. We know that many people have been requesting better pedestrian and cycling access around the north of the town centre so we are thrilled that we can deliver that to residents.”

The announcement of the latest projects in the regional masterplan were welcomed by GM walking and cycling tsar Chris Boardman.

On the other side of the borough the GMCA is being asked to approve upgrades to around a mile of paths alongside the Bridgewater Canal in Astley.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The section, which will cost around £250,000 to bring up to scratch, runs between Higher Green Lane and the border of Wigan and Salford.

Wigan Council will contribute £37,000, Peel Land and Property is expected to match-fund that and £25,000 is coming from the Bridgewater Canal Company. This will mark the completion of the Bridgewater Way, a 20-mile stretch of upgraded towpath for leisure and commuting from Leigh to Manchester city centre.

Astley Mosley Common’s Coun Christine Robert said: “This is very good news for the community.”