Trafford set to approve £2.6m cycling spend

A £2.6m cycling and walking improvement package for a route between Urmston and Sale Water Park will go before Trafford Council’s executive with a recommendation for approval.

The executive meets today to look at the Mersey Valley proposal. The plans, which are being managed by One Trafford – the council’s partnership with Amey – will build on existing infrastructure, upgrading cycling facilities near the M60 and linking Urmston and Sale Water Park to the Mersey Valley Visitors Centre and Jackson’s Boat Bridge.

The proposed route will run between Trafford and Manchester and incorporates Jackson’s Boat Bridge, which connects the two boroughs over the river Mersey. The access on one side of the existing bridge is described as an “extremely steep slope” and various options as to its modification were considered as part of a 2018 consultation process.

However, the bridge has now been listed with grade two status, and it is proposed to build a new bridge alongside it that can accommodate cyclists, pedestrians and horses.

Should funding be available, a further cycle route could also be built through Turn Moss playing fields.

Cllr Stephen Adshead, executive member for environment, air quality and climate change, said: “This scheme would  create a fantastic new cycle infrastructure that takes in one of the most popular areas in Greater Manchester for bike riders and walkers.

“As part of our health and wellbeing strategies, we want to encourage more people to cycle and walk in the area and enjoy the beautiful countryside.”