A NEW Metrolink station at Elton Reservoir is one step closer as part of £ 69 million plans that would also change the road network in Radcliffe.
Greater Manchester transportation chiefs were handed a total of £ 69.5 million in government money to improve transport and road links – and encourage people to leave their cars behind or behind the wheel of electric vehicles.
The cash injection is the second part of a Greater Manchester strategy to create a more integrated transportation system, led by Underground Mayor Andy Burnham.
In the first part, millions were spent on improving cycling in the region.
Funding comes from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, with Greater Manchester receiving £ 243 million in the first round and £ 69.5 million in the second round, for which plans have now been drawn up.
As part of five-year plans, it is proposed to open a new Metrolink stop in the green belt of Elton Reservoir to act as a park-and-ride transport hub, as well as developing a new link road, an improved road network for Radcliffe and improvements to Angouleme Way and Peel Way.
Cash is also earmarked for improving the quality and reliability of bus services by implementing measures to address unreliability and delays through bus priority lanes, signal upgrades, signal priority measures, intersection layouts and enforcement measures.
The Greater Manchester Combine Authority has identified up to £ 22 million to invest in bus service. £ 10 million will be used to improve services.
Another £ 10 million is earmarked for upgrading the ‘bus corridors’, including attractive and comfortable waiting areas.
Known as quality bus service, it is sought for the Rochdale-Oldham-Ashton corridor. Additional corridors will be developed over the next five years, including improvements to the corridors connecting Media City to Salford Crescent. Wigan, Bolton, Bury and Rochdale; and Ashton and Stockport.
Money is also being poured into improving the infrastructure for electric vehicles, including setting up more charging stations
Up to £ 10m in EV charging infrastructure, including more EV charging points to improve air quality and the health of residents.
Bury Council Chairman Eamonn O’Brien said, “What this strategy envisages is our clear commitment to finding the right transport mix for our district.”
“We know that there are serious congestion and air quality issues that need to be addressed, but also that many residents are more likely to be walking and cycling and want integrated, affordable and expansive public transport as an alternative to the car These plans are critical to our endeavors to tackle the climate emergency and see ourselves as climate neutral by 2038.
“But this is also about boosting our local economy and supporting the right kind of growth. If we connect more people to our city centers and important workplaces, we can buck the trend of declining main roads and open up fantastic new opportunities. The Transportation ambitions in this strategy are therefore key to our recovery and our long-term ambitions to achieve above-average economic growth across Bury.
“We need to focus now on making these plans a reality. It will take time and new resources, but we are determined to do everything we can to make it happen.”
A report on the proposals stated, “As stated in our five-year transportation delivery schedule, Greater Manchester is committed to investing in and expanding the EV charging system. This will help support the EV transition in Greater.” Manchester and – along with other measures such as promoting walking and cycling – are vital if we are to improve the air quality and health of GM residents and visitors. We look forward to the expansion of the network of charging stations for electric vehicles in the near future. including some for private rental vehicles and taxis. ”