Work starts on latest phase of Handforth highway improvements

Cheshire East Council has begun the latest phase of highway improvements to roads in Handforth to enhance provision for cyclists and pedestrians.

Cheshire East Council completed the first stage of works between Spath Lane in Handforth and the A555 Manchester Airport Link Road ahead of schedule in November 2023 (pictured). Work is now underway on similar improvements to the B5358 Wilmslow Road to the North of the A555 as far as the junction with Stanley Road. Works are being funded with money set aside for walking and cycling infrastructure as part of the delivery of the A555.

Improvements will involve widening of the footway to 3 metres for cyclists and pedestrians, resurfacing works, installation of new drainage, kerbing, refreshed road markings and additional traffic calming measures. There will be a 24-hour road closure to through traffic, but access to businesses will be maintained. All motorists not requiring access will be asked to follow the diversion routes, while provision will be made for cyclists and pedestrians and the emergency services.

Work underway has the future potential to link with new active travel infrastructure being delivered in neighbouring Stockport as part of Stockport Council’s £33.6 million investment in the A34 Corridor, which will connect with Greater Manchester’s wider Bee Active network of walking and cycling routes across the city-region.

Cllr Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council deputy leader and chair of the council’s highways and transport committee, said:

“Firstly, I want to thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during the construction of stage one of this scheme. I also want to congratulate our highways teams for the fantastic job they have done, and for completing it ahead of schedule.

“And I want to thank residents and businesses affected by stage two for their understanding and co-operation.

“These highway improvement schemes are important to the council and to the growing number of residents that choose to cycle or walk, whether it’s for pleasure, to go shopping or to their place of work.

“While we have been able to fund this scheme from outside the council’s highways budget, the downward pressures on all our council services, including highways, present many challenges going forward but we continue to try to meet the commitments we have made in our 23/24 programme of works and this scheme is one of them.”

Cllr Chris Hilliard, the council’s walking and cycling champion, said:

“There is the potential for this cycle and walking route to link up with similar schemes in Cheadle, even further towards Manchester.

“It links retail and industrial employment sites at Stanley Green, also the Seashell Trust, a charity for children with complex learning difficulties and disabilities, which is a big employer in the area. We hope these improvements will help people of Handforth to feel safer and more confident, while this could tempt others to walk or wheel around the village.”