The scheme cause uproar in the local community last time works were being carried out
The latest works on the controversial cycle lane in Castleton will be completed by early 2027, it has been revealed.
With the extension of the active travel scheme between Castleton and Rochdale getting underway this month, traffic disruption is expected. During Phase 1 of the scheme motorists were plagued by the delays to works, which left the community in uproar.
Locals even suggested it led to the closure of businesses in the area because getting into the town was much trickier.
This latest phase of the scheme will also see a number of junctions upgraded at a cost of £13.5m. The idea is to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, create ‘optimised lights’ to monitor traffic movements and speed up journey times along the A58/Manchester Road.
Phase 2 is not expected to be as disruptive because this section of the cycle lane will utilise large stretches of Old Manchester Road, which runs parallel to Manchester Road. The cycle lane extension will go from The Royal Toby Hotel in Castleton into Rochdale town centre.
Speaking at the latest town hall meeting this week, highways boss Coun Shah Wazir estimated that Phase 2 will take until ‘the beginning of 2027’ to complete.
Previously commenting on the scheme, Coun Wazir said: “This project will transform a major, well used route in Rochdale town centre, with improved journey times for motorists and significant safety improvements to support walkers, cyclists and people using wheelchairs and prams.
“A number of additional improvements will also take place, such as creating proper access to the Highfield Hospital for the first time, installing a new car park for visitors to Mandale Park and planting new greenery along Manchester Old Road.
“As with all major road projects, disruption is inevitable and people will need to leave more time for their journeys through this area, but this work will be carried out in phases to reduce that disruption as much as possible, and we will keep people informed throughout the process.”
Richard Nickson, TfGM’s Active Travel Network Director, last month added: “Our ambition with the Bee Network is to deliver a fully-integrated public transport network with safe and accessible connections to walking, wheeling and cycling routes.
“Building high-quality active travel infrastructure is really important to achieving this goal and I’m pleased that work on Castleton and Rochdale’s new Bee Network scheme will soon be underway.
“The series of junction improvements will make it safer for people to cross the road, while the new cycle lane will connect the segregated route for cyclists from Castleton all the way to Rochdale town centre.
“Once complete these improvements will make it easier for children and adults to walk, wheel and cycle in their community, and provide better access to public transport links.”