Wigan Council are working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to develop a segregated walking and cycling path along St Helens Road; from Bonnywell Road up to West Bridgewater Street.
Construction Phase
The contractor, George Cox and Sons Ltd carrying out the works. As part of the works, utility diversions from ENW, Cadent, BT and Virgin are also required.
Bus diversion information is available at Transport for Greater Manchester (external link) and will be shared in Leigh bus station.
The scheme
St Helens Road in Leigh is a very busy A-road carrying a lot of traffic in and out of Leigh town centre. At peak times over 1,000 cars per hour have been recorded using this route.
There are very few pedestrian and cycle crossing points on this road and the existing cycling facilities are poor.
On busy roads, which are usually the most direct routes between places, it is necessary to provide dedicated space for cycling and the facilities should provide physical protection rather than the current advisory painted cycle lanes.
The proposed scheme includes:
- Segregated two-way cycle track on the west side of St Helens Road in Leigh. The cycle track will be protected from motor traffic using raised kerbs
- A new toucan crossing close to Bonnywell Road
- Upgrading the existing crossing close to West Bridgewater Street to a toucan crossing
- Crossing points at side roads will also be improved. Kerbs will be dropped at both sides of the road with tactile paving where the pavement slopes towards the road
- A new bus stop bypass where the cycle track will run behind the bus stop. Zebra crossings and tactile paving will allow pedestrians to cross the cycle track at either end of the bus stop.
This scheme will connect St Helens Road to the completed off-road paths improvements scheme around Leigh Sports Village and Pennington Flash.
The future ambition is to continue the route over the canal bridge through to Leigh town centre. These schemes are dependent on future funding opportunities.
Detailed plans for the scheme
Construction on the scheme started late August 2024 with contractor Eric Wright. It is anticipated construction will conclude Spring 2025, please refer to the FAQ’s below for further details.
This scheme will provide improved cycling and walking facilities in the Standish area to encourage more active travel. The works will link into the already popular Standish Mineral Line upgrade.
This off-road route will start north of Gidlow Lane north of Wigan, and use upgraded and improved bridleway, with this phase ending at Standish Wood Lane This scheme aims to deliver an improved route from the south of Standish towards Wigan, and improved connections to the existing Standish Mineral Line route to the north.
The scheme will provide enhanced elements in the area and offer more accessible facilities and more route choice to encourage walking, cycling and wheeling activity for all.
Public consultation was carried out in July/August 2023. The below consultation leaflet and plan was sent to residents and businesses within the area in which we welcomed views and feedback on the proposals. You can view a copy of the consultation leaflet and plans here:
Wigan to Standish Queries
How is the scheme funded?
The funding is from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund.
When are the works scheduled?
The contractor, Eric Wright, are delivering the scheme and will be on site from late August 2024. Works are expected to conclude in Spring 2025.
How do I get in touch with the contractor?
Eric Wright can be reached over the phone at 07815 007928 or via email at gregb@ericwright.co.uk. The Major Projects team at Wigan Council can be contacted via email at majorprojects@wigan.gov.uk
Are the paths along the route still open?
Areas of works will be fenced off for safety purposes. Diversion maps are in place and can be found pinned up at key locations.
Why is investment going to this part of the network, rather than being spent elsewhere?
The existing School Lane to Gidlow Lane Bridleway is already a popular route to walk, wheel, cycle, and ride – but could be even better. The path is often difficult to access, too muddy to use or inaccessible with vegetation blocking the route and uneven surfacing. The route is also popular with horse riders, and the narrow width does not leave enough room for walkers and cyclists to comfortably pass horses. This scheme will make it easier for everyone to make the most of the Borough’s outdoor spaces; better connections between Standish and Wigan; and safer for all users. The Mayor’s Challenge Fund is a capital grant provided by Greater Manchester and is ring-fenced to be spent on building the active travel component of the Bee Network. If MCF funds were not invested in Wigan, they would be used on active travel improvement elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
What about improvements elsewhere?
We recognise and appreciate the need not just for great walking, cycling, and riding infrastructure, but for a great network that is properly joined up. This scheme will join up to the Standish Mineral Line to the north, and Wigan to Standish walking and cycling network phase 1 in the south. Further connections are not planned, but the Major Projects Team are always collating ideas and suggestions for future schemes. The Major Projects team are always looking for more sources of funding to improve walking and cycling across the Borough. You can send suggestions to us at major.projects@wigan.gov.uk
Who can use the new scheme?
No change is proposed to the range of users that are permitted to use the route. As with any traffic free route, the route is well used by those walking, wheeling, cycling, and riding horses. This already includes mobility scooters, e-bikes, and powered wheelchairs, whilst excluding motorbikes, quad bikes, and motor vehicles.
Is the route still accessible for horse riders?
Yes. There will be no change to the existing user groups that enjoy the route.
What type of surface will the path have? Will the same surface be laid along the entire route?
The surfacing for the scheme will be surface dressing on a stone base, very similar to that used on other off-road paths within the borough such as the Standish Mineral Line.
Concerns around anti-social behaviour
The Council must balance the needs of all users with the desirability of preventing access by unauthorised vehicles and will consider how best to achieve this through the detailed design of the scheme. Accessibility on public rights of way and other public spaces can be an issue for people with disabilities, those with pushchairs or young children, and the elderly. Gates such as A-frames and kissing gates have historically been installed to exclude motor vehicles. However, in doing so they have also excluded many users, including those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, adapted cycles, and double buggies. Bollards are proposed along the route, to balance the need for accessibility, with the need to protect from anti-social behaviour. As with all Major Projects schemes, we engage with the emergency services and share plans. Once the project is complete, increased usage will provide more natural surveillance, and easier access for officers.
Have the police been consulted about the scheme?
We routinely engage with emergency services, and all consultation material has been shared with the police. All emergency services are contacted as part of the consultation and to date no concerns have been raised. We continue to consult GMP as part of all our consultations. In addition to reporting anti-social behaviour to the police, reports can be made on the Council’s ‘MyAccount’ platform.
Will there be litter bins along the route and who will keep the new path clean?
Litter bins can only be installed where a refuse vehicle has access to empty them. No bins will be provided along the scheme.
Will the route be lit?
Solar studs will be installed at regular intervals as part of the scheme. These will lay flush with the track bed and support wayfinding.
Will wildlife be harmed during the construction of the scheme?
Some vegetation clearance has already taken place. Over the years some foliage and dead trees have encroached on the route. This scheme proposes clearing this encroachment, along with invasive species which can be dangerous and costly to manage. Woodland management techniques to protect biodiversity are proposed, including coppicing, and keeping dead wood on site to create mini wetlands. Additional planting will be part of the scheme and will be maintained by the Council.
How will contractors machinery and vehicles gain access to the sute during construction?
The contractors, Eric Wright, have experience delivering other Wigan Council off-road schemes, with health and safety being paramount. Eric Wright can be reached over the phone at 07815 007928 or via email at gregb@ericwright.co.uk. The Major Projects team at Wigan Council can be contacted via email at majorprojects@wigan.gov.uk
Construction on the scheme started late August 2024 with contractor Bethell. It is anticipated construction will conclude Spring 2025, please refer to the FAQ’s below for further details.
The Whelley Loop Line scheme aims to replicate and build on the success of the completed section of the existing Whelley Loop Line.
The scheme will provide a series of local access and connection improvements, upgrading the existing muddy surfacing and drainage.
To improve access between the Loop and the Haigh Estate, an accessible ramp will run from the track bed to Hall Lane bridge. As illustrated in the artist impression below, this will be a transformational change making it easier to access the Whelley Loop Line and get active.
The route will extend the existing Whelley Loop Line with this phase beginning at Canon Sharples and running to Hall Lane bridge, with a new accessible ramp to be installed to improve links into Haigh Country Park grounds. Once completed it will provide a multiuser route with improved off-road access.
Have your say
Public consultation was carried out in July/August 2023. A leaflet was sent to residents and businesses within the area, and you can view a copy here:
You said, We listened
Following consultation, we have answered your questions and queries.
How is the scheme funded?
The funding is from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Challenge Fund.
When did works start taking place?
The contractors, Bethell, started work on the scheme in late August 2024 and are expected to conclude in Spring 2025.
How can I get in touch with the contractor?
Bethell can be reached over the phone at 0330 912 2500 or via email at wecanhelp@bethell.co.uk. The Major Projects team at Wigan Council can be contacted via email at majorprojects@wigan.gov.uk
Is the path along the loop still open?
Areas of works will be fenced off for safety purposes, but access to the rest of the loop will be maintained.
Is any social value being delivered as part of the scheme?
As part of the scheme, Bethell will be delivering social value, resurfacing facilities at Sunshine House. This will make a huge difference to those using the centre, given how uneven the surface of the car park is at present.
Why is investment going to the Whelley Loop, rather than being spent elsewhere?
Whelley Loop is a popular and well used route, and we expect this extension to be well used too. The Mayor’s Challenge Fund is a capital grant provided by Greater Manchester and is ring-fenced to be spent on building the active travel component of the Bee Network. If MCF funds were not invested in Wigan, they would be used on active travel improvement elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Why cant the scheme go further up to the viaduct?
This scheme is funded by the Mayor’s Challenge Fund, a capital grant provided by Greater Manchester. It is ring-fenced to be spent on building the active travel component of the Bee Network and does not include works past Hall Lane, up to and including the viaduct. The Major Projects team are always looking for more sources of funding to improve walking and cycling across the Borough. We continue to collate suggested routes and ideas and the viaduct link is already an aspiration. You can send suggestions to us at major.projects@wigan.gov.uk
What is happening at Hall Lane bridge?
An accessible ramp will be delivered at the north end of the scheme to Hall Lane, which will provide users with the opportunity to continue their trips to Haigh Hall, Wigan, and beyond. An artist’s impression of the completed ramp is presented at the end of this document.
Does the scheme include improvements on the Haigh Woodland Estate?
This walking and cycling scheme is funded by the Mayor’s Challenge Fund, a capital grant provided by Greater Manchester. This scheme does not include the wider Haigh Estate. For more information, please visit the restoration of Haigh Hall web page.
Who can use the new scheme?
No change is proposed to the range of users that are permitted to use the route. As with any traffic free route, the route is well used by those walking, wheeling, cycling, and riding horses. This already includes mobility scooters, e-bikes, and powered wheelchairs, whilst excluding motorbikes, quad bikes, and motor vehicles.
Is the route still accessible for horse riders?
Yes. There will be no changes to the existing user groups that enjoy the Whelley Loop.
What type of surface will the path have? Will the same surface be laid along the entire route?
The surfacing for the scheme will be surface dressing on a stone base, very similar to that used on other off-road paths within the borough such as the Standish Mineral Line.
Concerns around anti-social behaviour
The Council must balance the needs of all users with the desirability of preventing access by unauthorised vehicles and will consider how best to achieve this through the detailed design of the scheme. Accessibility on public rights of way and other public spaces can be an issue for people with disabilities, those with pushchairs or young children, and the elderly. Gates such as A-frames and kissing gates have historically been installed to exclude motor vehicles. However, in doing so they have also excluded many users, including those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, adapted cycles, and double buggies.
Have the police been consulted about the scheme?
We routinely engage with emergency services, and all consultation material has been shared with the police. All emergency services are contacted as part of the consultation and to date no concerns have been raised. We continue to consult GMP as part of all our consultations. In addition to reporting anti-social behaviour to the police, reports can be made on the Council’s 'My Account' Platform.
Will there be litter bins along the new route and who will keep the path clean?
Litter bins can only be installed where a refuse vehicle has access to empty them. No bins will be provided along this portion of the loop line. Once delivered, the scheme will be handed over to the Council’s waste management team and vegetation will routinely be managed by the Streetscene team.
Will the route be lit?
Solar studs will be installed at regular intervals as part of the scheme. These will lay flush with the track bed and support wayfinding. For safety, when getting on and off Hall Lane, solar and wind powered columns will be installed by the ramp.
Will wildlife be harmed during the construction of the scheme?
Some vegetation clearance has already taken place. Over the years some foliage and dead trees have encroached on the path. This scheme proposes clearing this encroachment, along with invasive species which can be dangerous and costly to manage. Woodland management techniques to protect biodiversity are proposed, including coppicing, and keeping dead wood on site to create mini wetlands. Additional planting will be part of the scheme and will be maintained by the Council.
How will the contractors machinery and vehicle gain access to the site during construction?
The contractors, Bethell, have experience delivering other Wigan Council off-road schemes, with health and safety being paramount.