Oxford Road is one of two Altrincham roads which look set to be temporarily closed to cars as part of a bid to improve cycling and walking options for residents across the borough.
The move, which is subject to agreement from residents living on those streets, comes after Trafford Council and partner Amey were allocated £366,000 in emergency grant funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
Oxford Road and Oldfield Lane are the two Altrincham roads identified – alongside various other locations across the borough – for the first phase of the plan, which is scheduled to be delivered by September 18th.
The council – which has unsuccessfully sought to introduce similar measures on Barrington Road and the A56 in recent weeks – says a “range of trials” have tested the latest measures, known as modal filters.
The works will also be designed and agreed with Greater Manchester Police, other emergency services and the GMCA to ensure “safe and efficient movement” while improving provision and safety for cycling and walking.
A consultation will also be held with local residents and measures affecting their street – which will essentially amount to the introduction of planters preventing access to motor vehicles – will only introduced if there is support for the action.
A form for responses will also go live here tomorrow.
Councillor Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “Trafford Council have been working with One Trafford (a partnership between Amey and Trafford Council) to put in place a range of temporary measures across the borough, in order to help communities, maintain social distancing, while making safe essential journeys and exercising during the coronavirus lockdown.
“These proposals have helped ease social distancing at specific locations for cyclists as well as pedestrians with special crossing points being introduced at locations such as bus stops and traffic signals.
“The health and wellbeing of Trafford’s residents is our number one priority and we will do everything we can to make sure people are safe during this crisis. Therefore, works will now expand where the need arises, following £3.1m of funding made available to Greater Manchester Local Authorities through the GMCA.”
Chris Boardman, Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester, added: “This emergency funding has empowered Greater Manchester leaders to take immediate action and provide safe travel options for their residents to get to and from key areas.
“By creating temporary space for people to cycle and walk along major protected routes local authorities can support those who want to do their bit to help save public transport for people who need it most. This will also ensure that the third of Greater Manchester households who don’t have access to a car are not denied the right to safe travel options.”
If the measures are successful, they may become permanent in the future following further public consultation.
