Work on a bridge replacement scheme which will improve journey times along Hyde Road is now fully complete.
The major project, which centred on the demolition and replacement of a former railway bridge over the A57 in the Gorton area, will significantly improve traffic flow in both directions of travel, particularly at peak travel hours, by removing a notorious pinch point between Far Lane and Wall Way.
The old bridge, which reduced the road from four to two lanes, has been replaced with a modern 25 metre-long bowstring arch bridge, which forms part of the Fallowfield Loop walking and cycling route.
After the new bridge was formally opened this summer, utility works were carried out, before the construction of a new road and footway layout was completed and a new puffin crossing was installed.
The final element of the scheme was resurfacing of the affected stretch of road and with this now carried out, the reconfigured road has reopened.
As part of the council’s commitment to ensuring that all major highways schemes provide added ‘social value’ for communities, the Gorton Butterfly Garden – part of the Gorton Heritage Trail – has been cleaned and landscaped, with new a new turf lawn, butterfly logo railings installed, plus seven different species of trees planted, to improve the area for the long-term future.
Public consultation has recently been completed on a £4.9m scheme to improve the Fallowfield Loop and “Yellow Brick Road” (Stockport Branch Canal) walking and cycling routes, with more engagement due to be carried out with local residents later this year.
Executive Member for the Environment, Planning and Transport, Councillor Angeliki Stogia, said: “After the successful conclusion of this scheme, we will see less congestion in Gorton, improved journey times for people using this busy key route into the city centre and a reduction in the harmful pollution caused when vehicles idle in queues. Another big part of the project was investment in the long-term future of the Gorton Butterfly Garden, for the benefit of the local community.
“I’d like to thank residents and all road users for bearing with us while this scheme was completed. We know that there’s more work to do to improve local infrastructure for people travelling through this area and our next project will see significant investment in the Fallowfield Loop and Yellow Brick Road walking and cycling trails.”
