Peel to start next phase of Bridgewater Way

Peel said the next phase of work at the canal towpath in Salford is anticipated to begin next week.

From Monday 21 March, construction work will concentrate on the section between Monton and Worsley, continuing from the recently completed section between the M602 motorway and Monton.

Peel said the work will extend the regional route 82 and aims to provide a pleasant environment for walkers, cyclists and visitors.

The 1.4 km section will add to the 20km of the Bridgewater Way already complete in Eccles, Leigh, Runcorn and Trafford.

Louise Morrissey, director of land and planning at Peel, said: "It is great to see work start on this important section of the Bridgewater Way in Salford, particularly as this year is the 250th anniversary of this significant canal."

Cllr David Lancaster, deputy leader of Salford City Council, added: "The towpath is an integral part of the council's 15 year masterplan to regenerate the Bridgewater Canal corridor which proposes to develop a 250 berth marina as well as bringing thousands more visitors to the area and much needed stimulus to the local economy."

Peel added that, due to waterside construction works, the team would like to inform the public that this section of the Bridgewater Canal towpath will be temporarily closed until end of June 2011.

Peel said care will be taken to minimise disruption to the public by only closing the towpath which is directly affected by the construction works. For safety reasons, the public are asked to keep off the construction site during this time and use an alternative route.

The £8m Bridgewater Way project is a partnership scheme, covering 65km, and is being funded by Salford City Council, Salford West, the Bridgewater Canal Trust and Peel.

The Bridgewater Canal Trust is a partnership comprising the eight local authorities in Wigan, Salford, Trafford, Manchester, Macclesfield, Cheshire East, Warrington and Halton.