B5358 Manchester Road Active Travel scheme

We will be carrying out highway works to develop a new 1.5-mile walking and cycling route between Wilmslow town centre and Handforth.

This project would be delivered by Cheshire East Council, and is funded by Active Travel England .

What is happening

The Manchester Road Active Travel scheme is part of the plans to improve accessibility and provide an enhanced safe cycle and walking route, connecting Wilmslow and Handforth.

Works to deliver these highway improvements are scheduled to start in summer 2025. Phase 1 of these works will take approximately 32 weeks to complete. The duration of the works is to allow for phasing to help facilitate access to businesses and residents. 

The following works will take place:

• Installation of a new segregated cycleway
• Two new toucan-controlled crossing for pedestrians and cyclists
• Improvement of Stanneylands Road junction including additional pedestrian crossing and a new cycle gate
• Introduction of a bus stop bypass
• Installing improved signage along the length of the route
• Reduction in speed limit from 40mph to 30mph
• Improvement to existing footway crossing at side roads and businesses
• Extension of existing parking restrictions

Public engagement

This is phase one of two phases of work to create the cycleway between Station Road, Handforth and Styal Road, Wilmslow. We are hoping to be able to follow on the works for phase two straight after phase one, although the second phase is still in development. There is the potential of a third phase, but we don’t currently have funding for this, so we are unable to include this now.

Public engagement events will be held on Thursday 3 July with the first event being held at Handforth Library from 11am to 1pm and a second event held at Wilmslow Library from 4pm to 6.45pm.

Our Officers will be happy to receive and discuss your comments, suggestions or concerns. Plans and illustration will be displayed for you to see the proposals.

Proposed road closures and diversions

Under current health and safety legislation and for the safety of our members of the public and workforce, it will be necessary for a combination of road closures and temporary signalised controls. We hope to manage these works with the least disruption to the network as possible.

Works are to be completed in phases and suitable diversion routes will be in place. We will be working during the day on all weekdays; however, it may be necessary to work during the weekend on occasion where required to ensure that work is completed in line with the proposed schedule.

Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be always maintained. Cyclists may be asked to dismount through the road works.

Bus services will continue during the closure, however, there may be some impact to the service. Bus companies are aware and will be operating a revised route - you can check our bus service timetable and journey planning webpage for more information regarding timetable changes.

Waste collection services will not be affected.

Emergency services are aware of the planned closure and access will be facilitated where possible. They are also aware of the diversion arrangements in place for emergency vehicles. Access will be facilitated where safe to do so.

Roadworks, closures and diversions will be displayed online on our roadworks map.

Further Information

• Diversion routes will be signed to assist in the movement of traffic while works progress.
• Local businesses remain open, and access will be facilitated where possible.
• Delays are expected and motorists should plan their journeys accordingly.
• Signage will be out in advance of the works starting, located at key points on the road.