The transformation of Manchester’s Oxford Road into a better place for bus passengers, cyclists and pedestrians moves into its final phase from Monday.
Following a successful trial last year, the work by Transport for Greater Manchester will include new bike bypasses and segregated lanes along the whole of Oxford Road, starting between Hathersage Road and Denmark Road.
The work has been timed to coincide with the University of Manchester’s temporary closure of part of Oxford Road for its campus redevelopment and marks the start of permanent changes for one of Europe’s busiest bus corridors.
And with work on Metrolink’s Second City Crossing also entering its final phases, the countdown to a new-look city centre has begun.
TfGM’s bus priority package investment is part of a £122 million programme to deliver faster bus journeys to, from and through the city centre with more punctual and reliable services.
The introduction of new cycle lanes – safely separating cyclists from buses – will make it easier and safer for more people to ride along the popular route.
For pedestrians the result will be a much improved, boulevard-style space for them to enjoy with wider footways and quieter roads. More than 140 new trees are being planted, including exotic species not usually found on British streets such as Japanese cherries, sweet gum trees and gingko.
Neighbouring routes along Upper Brook Street have been improved to provide drivers with a permanent alternative route to Oxford Road, with signage in place to help navigate the area during this next phase of the investment.
From Wednesday (25 May), the inbound lane of Oxford Road between Hathersage Road and Denmark Road will be closed to allow work to take place, with only traffic leaving the city centre able to travel past the site. Local access is maintained from adjoining roads. TfGM has developed a map to help drivers.
Some bus routes are also affected by the TfGM and University work, and details can be found on affected bus stops and on the TfGM website.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “Our work here will completely transform everything about Oxford Road, making it a much more pleasant space for everyone.
“While these improvements to the public space are long-lasting and to be welcomed, the real purpose of what we are doing is to support the economy and the community by offering more travel choices and improving connections for people for work, education, leisure or healthcare.”
The new-style bike lanes, a common feature on city roads in the Netherlands, are designed to make it safer for cyclists – both on the road and at bus stops. Instead of overtaking a bus, the rider can safely cycle ‘behind’ the bus stop.
A coloured cycleway featuring pedestrian crossing points, including a zebra style crossing, informs riders, pedestrians and bus passengers of the layout so they are also able to watch out for each other. Greater Manchester’s first lane like this was built opposite Whitworth Park last year as a trial and has been in use since.
The Oxford Road scheme will ultimately see a bus and cycle-only corridor created between Hathersage Road and Grosvenor Street, to be introduced in phases as the work progresses.
Work on this section between Hathersage Road and Denmark Road is expected to take two weeks, following which general traffic heading into the city on Oxford Road will be required to turn right on to Hathersage Road, and will be unable to travel past this point between 6am and 9pm.
This investment is itself part of the wider Grow package of investment – a £1 billion package of city centre infrastructure improvements by 2017, including the Metrolink Second City Crossing, bus priority measures, six new and better cycle routes into the city centre and major rail improvements.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Oxford Road is one of the city’s busiest routes and a better environment for pedestrians, improved cycle infrastructure, better bus routes and good alternatives for cars will make travelling the route safer and more enjoyable for all road users.
“To encourage more people to get on a bike, we need innovative cycle ways that make cycling truly viable for any ability – but these improvement works represent a wider ambition to create a range of different options for travel across the city.”
