‘Positive changes’- Manchester city council ask public for views on road plans- including more room for buses

The plans were first suggested in February and March of this year to make alterations to John Dalton Street and Bridge Street. Now, the council is giving the public an opportunity to have their say.

An initial consultation saw members of the public tell the council that there was popular support for widening footpaths along city centre roads- including increasing space for people queuing at bus stops and creating new crossing points. The next round of consultation begins today (November 25).

A drop in event is planned to give people the opportunity to voice their opinions. This takes place at Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street M2 5NS on Monday December 9 from 4pm to 7pm.

In addition to this, the council is also hosting an online event from 6.30pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday December 10. You can email [email protected] to receive a link to a Microsoft teams meeting.

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 and John Dalton Street, we have changed loading arrangements 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 will be taking place in person and online, the details of which can be found below.

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport, 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 it's 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.”