Path linking Salford and Trafford over Ship Canal proposed

Funded by the Mayors Challenge Fund, the £4.8m proposed walk and cycle path is designed by Planit-IE on behalf of the Bridgewater Canal Company, which is owned by Peel L&P.

The path will allow walkers and cyclists to travel over the Manchester Ship Canal between Salford and Trafford without encountering traffic. Currently, they must go across Barton Road Bridge, which has a narrow carriageway. Once construction is complete, it will link up two key parts of the Bridgewater Way, providing a continuous traffic-free 20-mile route between Wigan, Salford, Castlefield, Trafford and Altrincham.

“There have been ambitions to deliver improvements to Barton Aqueduct and reinstate the elevated walkway for a number of years,” said Peter Parkinson, director of the Bridgewater Canal. “Following a public consultation, we’re thrilled to be bringing the plans forward to improve the area for walkers, runners and cyclists.”

Bridgewater Canal

3D model view from Chapel Place of proposed Barton Aqueduct Green Link. c. Peel L&P

Those on the path will have access to the Barton Swing Aqueduct, a grade two-listed structure that was built in 1894. The aqueduct was the first and only canal swing aqueduct in the world, according to landscape architect Planit-IE. Heritage interpretation boards will be set up along the path to explain the site’s history.

The proposed elevated path will connect Chapel Place to Upper Pocket Park. It will be three metres wide, except for when it passes through the swing aqueduct. At that point, it will be just two metres wide between handrails.

Several trees, including five larger ones, will be removed as part of the plan. However, they will be replaced at a ratio of 2:1. Construction plans also involve the seeding of wildflowers.

Barton Bridges Project CGI 2

CGI rendering of Barton Aqueduct Green Link. c. Peel L&P

Plans were submitted this week to Salford and Trafford councils. If approved, construction will begin by the end of this year.

The project team includes Eden Planning, heritage consultant Turley Heritage, lead design engineer Royal HaskoningDHV, as well as Walker Sime as QS, The Environment Partnership, and the Traffic, Transport & Highway Consultancy.

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This can only add to the licks along the Bridgwater, from Manchester, Trafford through Salford and the new RHS Bridgwater. Truly impressive the way all this is being linked together ….. from Castlefield to the RHS…

By TJL

This is a brilliant idea. I’ve always said to people they need to build a footbridge around Barton area because the Barton rd bridge is dangerous for pedestrians.

By Born Bred Darren.

Looks great. Hopefully these plans include an improved pedestrian/cycle access from Ashburton Road West too? Currently not the best.

By Canal walker

Would be fantastic to have a link across from the Millenium Nature Reserve to the AJBell stadium too. Could bring more visitors across to the Nature reserve while also linking the two communities by path. I might even get a season ticket for the Rugby!!

By JMW Davyhulme

This is a fabulous idea, I would love to use the cycle track and know it’ will be safe to do so. Fingers crossed it will happen .

By SLindsay

The closest I have ever been to being knocked off my bike is on the road between B&Q & the bridge. Access needs addressing as does Police resources to make it genuinely safe.

By Ian

Great initiative, I can finally now take on my 2021 challenge of learning to cycle and hopefully some day I can take my children along the cycle path as I tell them the history of the site.

By Rosemary Eke

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