Manchester Council seeks public opinions ahead of city centre pedestrianisation plans

Pedestrian-friendly plans on improving the A34 Salford to Cooper Street are to open to the public. The stretch of road comprises Bridge Street, John Dalton Street and Princess Street in the city centre.

The vital link in the city centre’s highway network connects key destinations including the Town Hall, Albert Square, Manchester Courts and Salford Central Railway Station.

As part of the Council’s long-term ambition for 90% of peak morning trips into the city centre to be made by foot, cycle or public transport before 2040, options are being explored on how progress can be made on that ambition over the coming years.

So far, suggested plans include:

• Provide more space on pavements for people to walk
• Widen pedestrian crossings
• Improve pedestrian crossing on narrow side streets by raising the carriageway to slow turning vehicles
• Provide new controlled crossings
• Reduce road widths to reduce traffic speeds and encourage drivers to park and stop elsewhere
• Help public transport flow more smoothly
• Improve bus stops by increasing space for people to wait
• Create pleasant spaces for people to spend time in and walk through to key city centre destinations

The Council says it “wants Manchester to be a vibrant and great place to live and work. Somewhere that people choose to make their home or pay a visit, with clean air, safe roads and green, pleasant streets.”

It adds that this will mean putting in place progressive and green policies to clean up the city’s air, as well as encouraging a shift in how people get around, from polluting vehicles to environmentally friendly ways of travel.

Detailed proposals will be made available in person and online as part of a consultation.

By visiting the Council’s website, or emailing a34corridor@manchester.gov.uk members of the public will be able to have their say. An in-person event will also be held where questions can be answered and feedback given.

The in-person consultation will take place on Tue 13 Feb at Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester M2 5NS , between 4pm – 7pm.

An online public meeting will also take place on Thu 15 Feb between 6.30pm – 7.30pm. You can email a34corridor@manchester.gov.uk to receive a link to a Microsoft Teams meeting.

The consultation window will be open from Thu 1 Feb – Fri 8 Mar.