Wigan Council are working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to develop a segregated walking and cycling path along St Helens Road; from Bonnywell Road up to West Bridgewater Street.
Construction Phase
Works will be starting on site on 30th September 2024 and complete in Spring 2025, with contractor, George Cox and Sons Ltd carrying out the works. As part of the works, utility diversions from ENW, Cadent, BT and Virgin are also required.
To keep disruption to a minimum and complete works as quickly as possible, a temporary northbound one-way restriction on St. Helens Road is planned.
Southbound diversion will be signed as Twist Lane - Atherleigh Way - St Helens Road.
Local traffic can also use Spinning Jenny Way - Chapel Street - Mather Lane - Bonnywell Road.
Bus diversion information is available at Transport for Greater Manchester (external link) and will be shared in Leigh bus station.
The scheme
St Helens Road in Leigh is a very busy A-road carrying a lot of traffic in and out of Leigh town centre. At peak times over 1,000 cars per hour have been recorded using this route.
There are very few pedestrian and cycle crossing points on this road and the existing cycling facilities are poor.
On busy roads, which are usually the most direct routes between places, it is necessary to provide dedicated space for cycling and the facilities should provide physical protection rather than the current advisory painted cycle lanes.
The proposed scheme includes:
- Segregated two-way cycle track on the west side of St Helens Road in Leigh. The cycle track will be protected from motor traffic using raised kerbs
- A new toucan crossing close to Bonnywell Road
- Upgrading the existing crossing close to West Bridgewater Street to a toucan crossing
- Crossing points at side roads will also be improved. Kerbs will be dropped at both sides of the road with tactile paving where the pavement slopes towards the road
- A new bus stop bypass where the cycle track will run behind the bus stop. Zebra crossings and tactile paving will allow pedestrians to cross the cycle track at either end of the bus stop.
This scheme will connect St Helens Road to the completed off-road paths improvements scheme around Leigh Sports Village and Pennington Flash.
The future ambition is to continue the route over the canal bridge through to Leigh town centre. These schemes are dependent on future funding opportunities.
Detailed plans for the scheme
Construction on the scheme started late August 2024 with contractor Eric Wright. It is anticipated construction will conclude Spring 2025, please refer to the FAQ’s below for further details.
This scheme will provide improved cycling and walking facilities in the Standish area to encourage more active travel. The works will link into the already popular Standish Mineral Line upgrade.
This off-road route will start north of Gidlow Lane north of Wigan, and use upgraded and improved bridleway, with this phase ending at Standish Wood Lane This scheme aims to deliver an improved route from the south of Standish towards Wigan, and improved connections to the existing Standish Mineral Line route to the north.
The scheme will provide enhanced elements in the area and offer more accessible facilities and more route choice to encourage walking, cycling and wheeling activity for all.
Public consultation was carried out in July/August 2023. The below consultation leaflet and plan was sent to residents and businesses within the area in which we welcomed views and feedback on the proposals. You can view a copy of the consultation leaflet and plans here:
You said, We listened
Following consultation, we have answered your questions and queries. You can view a copy of answers to these in our Consultation Questions and Queries here:
Construction on the scheme started late August 2024 with contractor Bethell. It is anticipated construction will conclude Spring 2025, please refer to the FAQ’s below for further details.
The Whelley Loop Line scheme aims to replicate and build on the success of the completed section of the existing Whelley Loop Line.
The scheme will provide a series of local access and connection improvements, upgrading the existing muddy surfacing and drainage.
To improve access between the Loop and the Haigh Estate, an accessible ramp will run from the track bed to Hall Lane bridge. As illustrated in the artist impression below, this will be a transformational change making it easier to access the Whelley Loop Line and get active.
The route will extend the existing Whelley Loop Line with this phase beginning at Canon Sharples and running to Hall Lane bridge, with a new accessible ramp to be installed to improve links into Haigh Country Park grounds. Once completed it will provide a multiuser route with improved off-road access.
Have your say
Public consultation was carried out in July/August 2023. A leaflet was sent to residents and businesses within the area, and you can view a copy here:
You said, We listened
Following consultation, we have answered your questions and queries. You can view a copy of answers to these in our Consultation Questions and Queries here: