Faster public transport journeys, safer pedestrian crossings, protected cycle lanes, stronger connectivity and improved sustainability are central to new proposals aimed at transforming one of Manchester’s busiest roads.
Oldham Road is a key route into the city centre, carrying more than 26,000 journeys each day by car, bike and public transport.
There are 43 two-way bus services per hour on the road with some stops seeing more than 4,500 boardings per month.
But, we know that things can be better.
When we last went out to speak with our residents more than 1,800 people responded, telling us what their priorities were when it came to improving their journeys around Manchester.
They told us they wanted:
- Buses to come more often and be more reliable
- Quicker bus journeys
- Safer places to cross the road and wider pavements for walking
- Better, protected cycle lanes and safer crossings for people who ride bikes to keep them separate from pedestrians and motor vehicles
Working together TfGM and The Council have listened and will be bringing forward plans on how we can make Oldham Road better.
Change is needed – in the last five years there have been 36 collisions on Oldham Road between Great Ancoats Street and Queens Road – with seven serious injuries caused as a result. The Council believes with a number of targeted improvements we can make this road better for everyone.
From today, Tuesday, March 3, a consultation will go live asking residents for their views on this upcoming piece of work. A link to that can be found here.
We are proposing:
- Adding more bus lanes so buses don’t get stuck in traffic
- Make bus stops nicer, with better signage and places to wait
- Build cycle lanes that are separate from cars
- Change traffic lights to help people cross the road safely
- Fix busy junctions so they’re easier and safer to cross
We want our streets to work for everyone, no matter how they choose to travel. But as the city grows and more people choose to live and work in Manchester new ways have to be found which encourage people to use the Bee Network and ensure our roads can flow as easily as possible.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport, said:
“Listening to our residents is key to how we go about delivering change on our roads. For many years people have been telling us they want better buses, better infrastructure and safer journeys and this is what we’re aiming to deliver in Oldham Road.
“Investment in improving our journeys is vital as we know that for the money that goes into improving our network, we get back more in wider benefits. That means a stronger economy, more growth and better health as well as opportunities for our residents.
“Feedback from local residents and businesses will be key to shaping the final outcome of this scheme and I’d urge any many people to take part and ensure their voice is heard.”
Alison Chew, TfGM’s Interim Director of Bus, said:
“Improving everyday journeys is a priority, and the proposals for Oldham Road are central to this. Through the Bee Network, we’re creating a joined-up, safer and more affordable transport system for Greater Manchester, reducing congestion for everyone and connecting people with places and opportunities.
“These plans aim to make bus stops safer and easier to use, improve the speed and reliability of bus services, and provide better walking and cycling routes with upgraded crossings and footpaths.
“As Manchester city centre continues to grow, improving the way people can move easily around the city is a major driver for change. We know that things can be better.
“The proposals reflect the feedback from previously talking to residents, and I’d encourage people to share their views, to ensure we shape the Bee Network in a way that works for everyone.”
