Bury firms up plans to improve connectivity
Introducing Metrolink services on the former Calder Valley railway line between Bury and Rochdale remains part of the council’s local transport strategy, despite a funding blow for the project earlier this year.
Bury Council’s cabinet is due to approve its Local Transport Strategy for a three-month public consultation next week.
The strategy, drawn up by WSP, outlines Bury’s ambitions to develop a “genuine integrated transport network that will support a healthy, green, connected and thriving borough,” according to a cabinet report.
The highlight of the strategy is a proposal to introduce Metrolink services on the heavy rail network between Bury and Rochdale via Heywood.
The pathfinder scheme, which would see the former Calder Valley line brought back into use, was earmarked for government funding through the Restoring Your Railway Fund. However, this was pulled earlier this year on rising costs.
TfGM has secured funding for a pilot pathfinder scheme, utilising disused tracks between Heywood and Oldham.
Bury’s vision for improved connectivity within the borough also includes the following:
- A new Metrolink stop at Elton reservoir
- Delivery of a new £87m Interchange in the town centre
- Cycling and walking improvements in Bury, Radcliffe and Ramsbottom town centres
- Upgrades to infrastructure to encourage active travel.
Read the draft transport strategy
The lion’s share of the funding for the projects would come from Greater Manchester’s £1.07bn City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and £95m of revenue funding through the Greater Manchester Bus Service Improvement as part of the national Bus Back Better Strategy.
What would be the need of a station /halt at Elton Reservoir
By Arthur Greenhalgh
Anything is better than doing nothing. This region has been poorly developed in comparison to the SE.
By Anonymous
@Arthur
The stretch between the Radcliffe and the Bury town centre met stops is a relatively long one with a large local catchment which would include Derby and Bury CE high schools. It would mean easy and quick access in between these stops and reduce the need for people to travel before boarding the met e.g. park and ride.
There were plans drawn up years ago for a potential extension to Bolton and towards Rawtenstall/Ramsbottom. I think the Elton stop would have been the joining stop between both routes but whether they intend to pursue these extensions is another matter.
By Anonymous
Well Bury Council are already making a mess of developing the city centre roads purposly increasing congestion. Why dont the concentrate on making the current roads roadworthy? I think most residents would encourage them to deal with the current infrastruture before adding more to it
By PS
Updating some of the stations on this line would be a good idea too. Some are in really bad shape like Heaton Park. It’s the oldest line on the network and needs updating
By Jo