Where is the money coming from to pay for these cycling, walking and traffic improvements?
The scheme is estimated to cost £1.4m and is being funded by Growth Deal Minor Works (GDMW) (£700k) and the Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund (MCF) (£700k). MCF is a £160m fund that has been allocated to Greater Manchester from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.
Why can’t the money be spent on other things?
MCF funding is specifically designated for cycling and walking improvements. If this allocation wasn’t spent in Wigan for this purpose the money would be spent elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Why do you want to increase the number of people cycling and walking?
Cycling and walking can be a great way to be active and stay healthy. Cycling is a comparatively cheap, quick, environmentally friendly and healthy way to get around. With increasing air pollution, we need to look at alternative, more sustainable forms of transport to the private car.
People don’t cycle in Wigan so why spend money on facilities that wouldn’t be used?
Research shows that if safe, convenient and direct cycle facilities are provided then cycling numbers increase. A lot of people are also put off cycling because they don’t feel safe cycling on the road. By providing segregated cycle facilities, cyclists can be separated from traffic and experience a much more secure and pleasant journey. This encourages more would-be cyclists to get on their bike.
Levels of cycling in Wigan are already slightly above the national average for journeys to work, and even more so in the Douglas/Pemberton/Marsh Green area. We now also have the cycling and walking infrastructure in place at Saddle Junction and Robin Park Road, with further schemes planned along the existing A49 corridor and adjacent to the new link roads (A49 & M58 Link Road). These facilities will establish improved connections making it easier for people to access the town centre, services, train stations and the Robin Park Retail by foot and by bike.
Why are you concentrating the cycling and walking facilities in this area rather than elsewhere in the borough?
We are developing a number of cycling and walking improvement schemes across the borough, including:
- Standish Mineral Line extension
- Toucan crossings for Wigan Central
- Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley
- A49 and Leeds Liverpool Canal corridors (Ashton - Wigan - Standish)
How will you make this junction safer?
The proposed scheme will enhance crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists by improving the existing controlled crossing facilities.
Cyclists will be provided with two-way segregated cycle lanes, to physically protect them from motorists. Designated cycle crossing points allow roads to be crossed in one continuous movement to aid efficient travel.
Will it take longer to drive through the junction when the works are complete?
The proposed scheme has been modelled by Transport for Greater Manchester. Modelling shows that overall delays are expected to be reduced at this junction once the scheme is complete.
Will any vegetation be removed?
Some vegetation will need to be removed and cut back to construct the scheme. All existing tree roots will be protected if any construction is taking place near them. We will take the opportunity to improve landscaping in this area and plant additional trees where practicable.
Will on-street parking be reduced?
On-street parking will not be affected by the proposed scheme.
When will the construction work take place?
The works are currently planned to start in 2020, however there is still further work required to develop the scheme and so further details will be communicated via the council’s website and in the media as the scheme develops.
Will the construction works affect traffic?
Inevitably, with any construction works taking place on the highway, there may be some disruption to traffic. This will be kept to a minimum and work will take place outside of peak hours where feasible. Any lane closures or diversions will be communicated in advance and clearly signposted.
We recommend that residents check the roadworks bulletin and follow the council’s social media channels for up to date information.