Council leaders from Greater Manchester (GM) have approved an additional £2.1m in funding to improve the safety of those walking, wheeling or cycling at seven locations across Greater Manchester.
The new crossings will be delivered in collaboration with local authorities, to encourage more active journeys and support the safety of those walking, wheeling or cycling.
Dame Sarah Storey, GM’s active travel commissioner, said: “In order to successfully connect the Bee Network and ensure people can access public transport by walking, wheeling or cycling, it is vital that high quality crossings are delivered in conjunction with other infrastructure.
“Feeling unsafe whilst crossing roads is one of the main barriers for people making their short journeys on foot, in a wheelchair, or when accompanied by children or older people who don’t feel as quick as they once did.
“I’m pleased to see a further seven crossings being confirmed and am looking forward to seeing the pipeline further developed so the benefits can be felt across the region.”
The seven new schemes are being delivered as part of the Bee Network crossings project, which was established in 2019 to make it safer for people to cross busy roads in key locations across GM. The project aims to deliver 35 crossings, or upgraded junctions with crossing facilities, across all ten districts in GM.
In 2020, the first 17 new Bee Network crossings were approved for development in Harpurhey and Bury following a £2.4m investment.
In the Harpurhey area of Manchester, five of ten new or upgraded crossings are now fully operational. The outstanding crossings are expected to be operational this autumn.
In the East Ward area of Bury, five new or upgraded crossings were installed in July 2022 at key points along Rochdale Road, Bell Lane, Wash Lane and Parsonage Street, to make it safer for residents to travel by foot or by bike.
The scheme also renovated two existing road closure points to make them fully accessible for walking, cycling and wheeling.
The final 11 crossings are in development for sites across GM and, subject to approval, will be implemented in 2023.
