A council drop-in session at the Copthorne Hotel occurred today, discussing the upcoming road improvements on Trafford Road.

The roadworks are set to start in summer 2020, aiming to improve junction capacity, pedestrian and cycle links, overall improving the social connectivity to the Ordsall community.

The scheme will provide improvements such as fully segregated walking and cycling facilities, Cycle Optimised Protected Signals, upgrades to existing crossing facilities and enhancing the local environment overall.

Copyright: Regan Kerr

The drop-in session is happening today between 10am-7pm at the Copthorne Hotel on Trafford Road in Salford Quays to allow the public to address any queries they have about the improvements.

Gareth Hughes, Project Manager of the improvement scheme said: “We know there’s going to be disruption. We’re going to have a look at how they’re proposing to build it, to see what’s going to happen. Whether they’re going to do individual junctions, or basically all of them together.

“We’ll have an increased capacity along the road for vehicles, and we’re also looking to improve the walking and cycling facilities. There are fairly poor connections at the moment for Ordsall into Salford Quays, so one of the key objectives is to break down that link.

“We’re very much against time, but if we get a move on, it will open up more developmental opportunities for Salford in the long term.”

Members of the public have already addressed their concerns on social media, hence the council allowing the opportunity for the discussion of these issues.

Charlotte, who attend the drop-in session, said: “I can see why they’re doing it, it’s to help pedestrians, and the school nearby doesn’t really have any crossings which is obviously dangerous.

“The only bit for me is the Exchange Quay, we have to use that way out, it’s going to cause disruption. I think it’s going to cause a lot of problems and a lot of traffic.

“Making the roads better means that more people are going to be using their cars, but if they make the cycling part and the pedestrian part better, it might encourage people to cycle more because they’ll feel a bit safer.”

According to Salford City Council, they have secured £20 million to facilitate the scheme, with £10.5m secured from Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Growth Deal Fund, £4.8m secured from GMCA Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund, with the balance from Salford City Council.

Chris Boardman, Greater Manchester’s Cycling and Walking Commissioner said: “The improvements to Salford will make life easier for people who want to be able to make local trips on foot or bike, leaving the car at home.”

More information can be found on the Salford City Council website.

If you would like to give your views on the improvements, call 01617796060 or email traffordroadcomms@salford.gov.uk

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