Plans to cut the number of lanes on the A57 in Peel Green have met mounting backlash ahead of a community meeting.
A local social media group, ‘Stop the A57 lane reduction group – Irlam and Cadishead,’ is urging residents to oppose controversial plans which could see the number of lanes on a major Salford A road reduced.
Two lanes allow traffic to flow on the A57 Liverpool Road through Peel Green, towards Eccles and the M60 slip road, but a proposal under review by Salford City Council could see the number of lanes cut from three to two.
The council has allocated £650,000 for the project to be carried out and has drawn up plans for road narrowing.
A sketch released by Salford City Council shows the proposed new road as having cycle lanes and a grass verge separating traffic.
The action group estimates that 21,000 people from Irlam and Cadishead use this road daily to access Salford and Manchester.
The opposition to the plans comes after a trial period in summer 2022, where online videos display mounting traffic from Peel Green roundabout towards the North West Ambulance Service.
“That trial period made our lives hell,” said Eireann O’Loughlin Boardman, a resident of Peel Green.
Eireann says she found out about plans to reduce the lanes when “a leaflet was pushed through the door,” but was unaware of residents being consulted by the council about the trial period.
Members of the action group have contacted Michael Wheeler MP for support.
In an open letter to Salford City Council, Community Chair Committee for Irlam, Cadishead, Peel Green, Frances Henry claimed that residents of Irlam and Cadishead had been consulted on the plans via social media, whereas Peel Green residents received leaflets through their front doors.
“It’s not fair,” Eireann said, ‘The change is also going to affect the daily life of people in Irlam and Cadishead – they only have one road out too.’
This stretch of road also experiences high congestion on Salford Red Devils’ match days. “I try not to go out on matchdays to be honest – it’s a nightmare,” Eireann added.
Whilst Salford City Council estimate the lane reduction would only add thirty seconds onto a journey, opposition has mounted against the scheme with concerns over commuters, school children, and emergency services.
“I just don’t think it’s a good idea to reduce the lanes,” Eireann said. “It’s hard enough now at peak traffic times and it will only get worse.”
The upcoming community committee meeting is to take place at Salford City Academy on Thursday 27 November at 18:30.
A Salford City Council spokesperson said: “Following public engagement on the scheme in summer 2024, we have been working with our partners on independent traffic modelling to understand the potential impact of the proposals.
“The community meeting today is an opportunity for council officers to share these findings with residents and provide a wider update on the project.
We take all concerns very seriously and there will be a further opportunity for residents to express their views, and no decisions will be made without a comprehensive analysis of all the data.”
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