New consultation to take place regarding city centre roads

The aim was to improve how people get around the city centre and to focus on what elements could be improved.

During that consultation, members of the public said there was popular support for widening footpaths along these roads, increasing space for people queuing at bus stops and creating new crossing points.

But concerns were raised regarding the width of the carriageways and how if they were made narrower it would increase congestion and negatively impact the goals of this scheme.

Taking this on board Manchester City Council is launching the next stage of the consultation process, with people being invited to give their opinions on the new changes.

Changes

Bus stops – Bus stops in John Dalton Street and Bridge Street will be incorporated into laybys, rather than in the carriageway. This will allow traffic to flow while buses are stopping and prevent potential disruption during peak times.

Bus stops will also be made longer to allow two buses to stop at the same time without interrupting traffic.

Pedestrians – Footways are to be widened where space allows, especially at junctions where people gather in large numbers to cross.

Additional crossings are to be added in the following locations

• Gartside Street with Bridge Street West

• St Mary’s Parsonage with Bridge Street

• Deansgate and John Dalton Street

• John Dalton Street with Cross Street

• Princess Street and Clarence Street

Loading bays – These bays will remain accessible for businesses between 6-10am, after which they will revert to footways during the remainder of the day.

On the north side of Bridge Street (pictured) and John Dalton Street, loading arrangements have been changed to help keep traffic lanes clear, with loading allowed for up to 15 mins at non-peak times. There are also additional bays on side streets with longer loading periods.

Additional provision will also be made for taxis as well as disabled spaces for parking, with new spaces for both being added.

Engagement events

Engagement events will be taking place in person and online, the details of which can be found below.

Drop-in event: Monday, December 9, 4-7pm, Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street,M2 5NS
Online event: Tuesday, December 10, 6.30-7.30pm.

Email [email protected] to receive a link to a Microsoft teams meeting.

Councillor Tracey Rawlins said: “This project gives us an opportunity to make positive changes around how people travel in the city centre. We want people to view the city centre as a great place to live, work or visit and to achieve that we need to make bold changes.

“These two streets are some of the most-used routes in the city and its important that we ensure the public’s views are reflected in any future changes that may take place.

“We want to make the city a safe and easy place for people to get around by walking or wheeling, as well as making it more accessible for people using public transport. I’d encourage everyone to please take part in this consultation so that their voices are heard.”