Schemes proposed for the Borough

Take a look at our proposals for improving cycling and walking.

Atherton and Tyldesley Links North

This scheme will provide improved links between Atherton Train Station, Shakerley, Tyldesley town centre and the guided busway.

Proposals will include measures to make the rail station easier to access on foot and by bike from the neighbouring residential areas of Shakerley and Tyldesley. The scheme will also increase the opportunity for local sustainable travel to wider destinations, with rail connections to larger towns and cities including Manchester, Leeds, and Wigan.

Key features and elements of the proposed scheme include:

  • New and improved crossings on Bolton Road and Lancaster Avenue
  • Improved off-road facilities on Shakerley Lane, including widening the path, resurfacing, and lighting
  • Quiet Streets route along Lancaster Avenue – with traffic calming features, road lining and signage
  • Improved off-road facilities across ‘The Common’ from York Avenue to Poplar Street, included widening the path, resurfacing, and lighting
  • New and improved crossings on Shuttle Street and Manchester Road.

Have your say

In order to develop scheme proposals, a four-week public consultation will commence from Monday 26th February until Friday 22nd March 2024.

To see further information including scheme proposals and latest updates about the Atherton and Tyldesley Links North scheme, please see below:

Ashton Sustainable Travel Routes

The scheme focuses on areas close the town centre providing improved routes and crossings to begin building a walking and cycling network.

The scheme proposals include the installation of new crossing facilities on Bolton Road, close to the junction with Orchard Street and Liverpool Road close to the junction of St. Oswalds Road. We also propose improvements to the on-road and off-road paths linking local schools close to Liverpool Road. The scheme will make it easier and safer for school children and residents to walk, wheel and cycle.

Ashton Sustainable Travel Routes aim to:

  • Reduce severance on some of the busy roads.
  • Improve existing and providing new off-road routes.
  • Upgrading the quality and status of footpaths to provide use for all.
  • Create a safer and more attractive environment for walking by providing new crossing points.
  • Designating new quiet streets
  • Increase the opportunity for local sustainable travel.
  • Improve access to local trip attractors.

This scheme will also complement wider improvement works being caried out in Ashton Town Centre. The project includes improvements to public realm, a refresh for the town’s Market Square, improved pedestrian routes, shop front regeneration and public artwork.

Have your say

In order to develop scheme proposals, a four-week public consultation will commence from Monday 26th February until Friday 22nd March 2024.

To see further information including scheme proposals and latest updates about the Ashton Sustainable Travel Links scheme visit Participate (external link).

View You said, We listened in relation to the scheme proposals.

Lane Head Air Quality Improvements Scheme

  • Installation of New Traffic Signals - New northbound traffic signals on Winwick Lane to prevent harmful emissions from waiting vehicles being directly in front of properties.
  • Pedestrian Crossing Facilities - Three new controlled crossing facilities at the Newton Road junction to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians.

View the plan for the proposed changes

Works are planned to take place in Autumn 2025, subject to securing delivery funding.

Funding source 

City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) funding will be used to deliver the project. In 2022 Greater Manchester received £1.07bn in CRSTS funding to help reduce emissions by improving transport and enhancing services and areas.

Why we are doing the scheme

The primary focus of this scheme is to improve air quality along Winwick Lane. By reducing harmful emissions from waiting vehicles and enhancing pedestrian safety, we aim to create a safer, more welcoming environment for residents.

Monitoring and Evaluation

To ensure the success of the scheme, we will monitor traffic data and air quality levels before and after implementation. This will help us measure the impact of the improvements.

Engagement

We are committed to engaging with the community to ensure the scheme meets local needs and addresses concerns. Public consultations will be held to gather feedback and inform the project plan. All affected residents and businesses will be contacted prior to any construction work starting,

Leigh Regeneration Project - Market Place

Project 1(a) - B5215 Market Place - Proposals

The Leigh Regeneration Project is set to transform Leigh, with a range of projects planned.

As the Civic Square breathes a new lease of life into the heart of the town centre, there are plans to complement the space on the adjacent road Market Place (B5215) between the junctions of Lord Street and Church Street. 

With revived Civic quarter (Square, Turnpike and Library) offering a more flexible and diverse space for cultural and community events, the road element of the square provides cohesion making it safer and easier for pedestrians to access and spend time in the area.

Engagement for the scheme went live on the 28th April for a period of 3 weeks. For more information on scheme designs and frequently asked questions, please visit the Market Place Scheme webpage (external link).

Wigan to Standish - Phase 3

Phase 3 of the Wigan to Standish Walking and Cycling Network aims to enhance Standish’s walking, cycling, and wheeling infrastructure by improving connectivity and accessibility. Building on the success of Phase 2, a well-used off-road route, this phase continues to expand Wigan’s Bee Network, encouraging more people to choose active travel.

The scheme includes proposals for the resurfacing and widening of key footpaths and bridleways, along with the installation of a new toucan crossing on the A49. This will provide safer, more convenient access to Ashfield Park, a valued local green space.

The proposed improvements include:

  • A new off-road link at Highcliffe Court, connecting directly to Phase 2
  • Upgrades to the footpath between Standish Wood Lane and Burnhill Court, including the connection to Prospect Road
  • Enhancements to the bridleway between Chorley Road and the A49 (Wigan Road)
  • Two sections of Lurdin Lane planned to be resurfaced
  • A new controlled crossing on the A49, linking Lurdin Lane to Roundmoor Road and creating another connection to Phase 2
  • An upgraded footpath from the Bloor Homes estate to Robin Hill Drive at one end and Brookfield Road at the other, responding to a Public Right of Way request.

These upgrades are designed to make every day journeys easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone in the community.

You Said, We Listened

We’ve gathered your queries and concerns about the scheme. Please see our responses below:

How is the scheme funded

The scheme is funded through Section 106 monies.

How was the scheme scoped

The scope was shaped by requests from local councillors and residents. To help our neighbourhoods thrive, the Major Projects Team continues to develop walking, wheeling and cycling connectivity across the borough. This scheme links directly to Phase 2, further improving Wigan’s Bee Network.

When are the works scheduled

We aim to begin construction in Autumn 2025, subject to approvals.

What about improvements elsewhere

We understand the importance of a well-connected network. The Major Projects Team is continually seeking additional funding to improve walking and cycling infrastructure across the borough. Suggestions can be sent to the Major Projects team.

What type of surface will the path have? Will it be consistent throughout

The path will be surfaced with a stone base and surface dressing, similar to other off-road paths in the borough.
A portion of Lurdin Lane will be tarmacked. The Council is aiming to complete this using sustainable and easy-to-replace materials.

How wide will the paths be

The paths will be between 2 and 3 metres wide.

How will the scheme be maintained

After construction, maintenance responsibilities will be shared between relevant council teams. If you notice any issues, please report them via Report it. This only applies to Council-owned land.

Concerns about anti-social behaviour

The Council aims to balance accessibility with the need to prevent unauthorised vehicle access. The scheme design considers how best to achieve this. Traditional barriers like A-frames and kissing gates have excluded not only vehicles but also users with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, adapted cycles, and double buggies. We are committed to inclusive access for all.

We understand anti-social behaviour can still happen, If you witness anti-social behaviour, please report it to Greater Manchester Police via 101 or online (external link). The more reports received, the more attention the area will receive. Alternatively, your Neighbourhood Manager can offer advice and support.

How will we implement speeding measures to cyclists

As mentioned above, physical barriers are not a viable option due to the accessibility challenges they pose. To help mitigate speeding, we will install signage to raise awareness among riders about their speed and encourage responsible use of the path.

As part of the activation for Phase 2 of the Walking and Cycling Network, cycling safety and awareness training called Bikeability was delivered to students within the area to promote safe and considerate cycling habits.

Have the police been consulted about the scheme

As plans progress, we will consult with all emergency services.

Will this scheme disturb wildlife

As part of the early planning, we have consulted with our Biodiversity officer to help guide the schemes development.

Some of the existing paths are currently overgrown with self-seeding trees and vegetation, which would benefit from careful maintenance and management. Vegetation clearance and tree felling will be kept to a minimum. For every tree that is removed, replacement planting will be completed in the vicinity.

All paths included in the proposals are already in regular use by a variety of users. As such, the planned upgrades are not expected to cause any new disruption to local wildlife. Overall, the scheme is designed to have a more positive than negative environmental impact.

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