A series of new active travel schemes across Stockport borough have been approved by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

Five separate projects have been approved in different sections of the borough; in the Heatons, in Bramhall / Cheadle Hulme, in Romiley, on Hempshaw Lane, and in Bredbury / Woodley.

Construction is expected to begin later this summer.

Although the schemes will vary in scale and character, the general aim is to make it easier for residents to walk and cycle throughout the area. Changes include new offroad pathways, modified pedestrian crossings, new 'quiet streets', and more. More details can be found below.

The projects have almost entirely been funded by government active travel / sustainability grants.

Cllr Grace Baynham - council cabinet member for parks, highways and transport - said: "We want to encourage sustainable methods of travel as a method of getting from A to B for our residents and these new improvements will help them achieve this goal."

Richard Nickson from TfGM similarly said: "The schemes will provide high-quality, safe walking, wheeling and cycling routes and connections for people in Stockport, while also making also making Greater Manchester as a whole an even better place to live, work and visit."

Changes include new offroad pathways, modified pedestrian crossings, new 'quiet streets', and more. (Image via Stockport Council)

Details of the changes are as follows:

Heatons Link Phase 2

This scheme will "provide around 2km of off-road path improvements to help create a comprehensive network of routes across [Heaton Mersey]". It will be funded by £2.7m of active travel funding from the government.

Ladybrook Valley

These plans seek to upgrade the existing 1.1km path through the Ladybrook Valley between Bramhall Park Road and Ladybridge Road. It will be funded by £2.3m of active travel funding from the government.

• Pathway surface improvements
• Solar-powered stud-lighting along the route.

Romiley to Stockport East

This scheme aims to better connect Romiley with Stockport town centre, and other areas of the village centre. It "connects local residential areas, employment, education, retail, and leisure destinations", and is to be paid for with £3.4m of Active Travel Funding.

• Introduction of 20mph speed limits on certain roads in the area.
• New segregated cycle routes.
• Footpath improvements.
• Upgraded crossing facilities.

Hempshaw Lane Improvements

These changes will incorporate 525 metres of Hempshaw Lane, between and including the junctions with Banks Lane and Marple Road. The scheme aims to improve pedestrian movement.

It is to be funded by £1.05m of City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) funding from the government, with a potential reallocation of £246k from the Stockport: A6/Manchester Road/School Lane Streets for All scheme.

• Remodelling of the of the Hempshaw Lane / Dialstone Lane / Banks Lane junction, with new crossings and wider footways.
• Remodelling of Hempshaw Lane / A626 Marple Road junction, with upgraded footways.
• New bus shelter near Garth Road, plus an upgrade of the westbound bus station near Whalley Road.
• Formalised on-street parking bays on Hempshaw Lane.

Woodley to Bredbury Parkway Improvements

This scheme aims to deliver "an improved active travel route" connecting Bredbury Industrial Estate with Woodley. A Transport for Greater Manchester report argues that "existing infrastructure means it is not easy for people to walk or cycle between the two areas". It is to be funded by £0.83m of CRSTS government funding.

• Resurfacing of pathways near the recreation ground, Rodney Drive, and the A560.
• Rodney Drive to become a "cycling quiet street" (whereby cyclists can occupy the lane together with motorised traffic).
• Closure of Mill Street to general traffic at its A560 junction.

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