Work has commenced on the £33.6million scheme aimed at improving connectivity along the A34 corridor in Handforth and Cheadle.
The government announced in November 2023 that the scheme had been given the go-ahead for the project to ease congestion between the A560 and the A555 and enhance walking and cycling accessibility.
Contractors have started work on the first two schemes today (Tuesday, April 2nd) near Gatley Road and Broadway.
A Stockport Council spokesperson said "These improvements are part of the wider scheme that will also deliver improved access to the Cheadle Royal Business Park, the Stanley Green business area, a designated walking and cycling route along the A34 and include a new pedestrian subway for pupils and staff at Kingsway School.
"The council will be minimising the amount of carbon used during the construction process as well trying to improve biodiversity by planting new trees and improving habitats along the route."
The Department for Transport has provided £33.64m towards the project, with Stockport Council contributing £0.56 million. The remaining £6.3 million will be provided by third party developers.
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The improvements are designed to support:
sustainable travel with a walk, wheel and cycle route along the corridor. This includes a segregated cycle track and controlled crossings with connections to the wider Greater Manchester Cycle Bee Network and local public rights of way
businesses with works to improve access to the Cheadle Royal Business Park and the Stanley Green business area by improving key junctions and providing better walking, wheeling and cycling access
new homes and development with improvements to junctions to provide access to and mitigate the impact of any proposed new housing development on the local road network
education with replacement of an existing subway beneath the A34 at Kingsway School to provide a better link for the split school site and allow for a key east-west cycle route
motorists with improved junction layouts to reduce congestion, improve safety and provide enhanced driver information on new variable message signs
I admit is a bottleneck for traffic though so hopefully something can be done about that aspect.
But at least "the council will be minimising the amount of carbon used" .... whatever that means
And that was mostly before the Wilmslow bypass (that feeder road to the free car parks at Handforth Dean) had been built. So it was a lot quicker than driving!
Electric diggers, manual labourers, non oil based tarmac….