ONE of Wigan’s busiest road junctions is set to become a priority for improvement. Council leader Peter Smith has pledged action to reduce congestion at Saddle Junction, one of the main routes into and out of the town centre.
The busy Newtown route has been earmarked by council chiefs as in need of investment.
The announcement comes in spite of the recent ‘no’ vote by the public of Greater Manchester to the plan to raise billions for transport improvement project through congestion charging.
Cllr Smith says: “We now have to look at what is possible for our borough regardless of what has happened elsewhere. I will be sitting down with my cabinet colleagues and the chief officers to look at where we go from here.
“It is clear that transport is a massive issue for everyone, regardless of whether they were in favour of the plans or not. “
Council chiefs will be seeking the views of members from all parties along with the opinions of residents and the borough’s business community.
Officers have been asked to look at quick solutions to congestion hotspots such as the Saddle.
In the longer term, the council’s Local Development Framework will identify new transport solutions that will ease congestion for residents as well as creating the chance to attract further investment to the borough.
Peter Smith adds: “We have a vision for the borough of economic prosperity combined with a sustainable environment. And while we may have lost the chance for massive investment in public transport, we cannot now say there’s nothing more we can do.”
