Manchester Road Handforth to Wilmslow Active Travel scheme

We are working to deliver a new 1.5-mile walking and cycling route between Wilmslow town centre and Handforth, as part of our Active Travel scheme.

This project is funded by Active Travel England.

Phase 1 works complete

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

Phase 1 of the works has been completed and is now open. 

These works included:

• 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 island

• reduction in speed limit from 40mph to 30mph

• improvement to existing footpath crossing at side roads and businesses

• extension of existing parking restrictions

Phase 1 site plan

• Handforth to Wilmslow active travel scheme (PDF, 2.6MB)

Phase 2 - Update

Works on Phase 2 of the Manchester Road Active Travel Scheme will start on Monday 5 October 2026 and will be completed by spring 2027. These improvements will help create safer, more convenient and sustainable travel options for people walking, wheeling and cycling, while improving connectivity between Wilmslow and Handforth.

A summary of the feedback received during the community engagement event held at Wilmslow Library on 10 September 2026 is provided in the feedback summary report (PDF 456KB).

What is happening?

The next phase of the scheme will include:

• extension of the segregated two-way cycleway along Manchester Road

• improvements to the Network Rail bridge to accommodate the new cycling infrastructure

• new cycle bypasses at two bus stops to improve safety for cyclists and bus passengers

• installation of two new zebra crossings to provide safer crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists - located at Bluebell Way and Styal Road

• To enable the construction of the new crossing at Bluebell Way, a tree needs to be removed.  A tree consultation is currently available for residents to share their views on the proposal.

• footway improvements to enhance accessibility and the overall walking environment

Phase 2 site plan

Road closures and traffic management

To keep both our workforce and the public safe, road closures and traffic management will be required while the works take place. The works will be completed in phases, with suitable traffic management or diversion routes provided throughout. Work will take place during weekdays and may include some weekends to help keep the programme on schedule.

Road closures and traffic management will be in place and will follow the phased approach outlined below.

Place of works	Date	Traffic Management
Site set up	5 October until 9 October 2026	None required
Wilmslow Cemetery Entrance	7 October until 15 October 2026	2-way temporary traffic signals with lane restrictions
Railway Bridge Improvements	16 and 17 October 2026	2-way temporary traffic signals with lane restrictions
Bus stop works	16 and 17 October 2026	2-way temporary traffic signals with lane restrictions
Bluebell Way junction works	17 November until 16 December 2026	3-way temporary traffic signals with lane restrictions
Manchester Rd Footpath Repairs	16 and 17 December 2026	To be confirmed
Styal Road junction works	18 December 2026 until 10 February 2027	3-way temporary traffic signals with lane restrictions
Manchester Road - Carriageway Resurfacing and Line Markings	11 February until 1 March 2027	Full road closure from Stannylands junction to Styal Road
Manchester Road - Cycle lane kerb installation	2 March 2027 until 31 March 2027	2-way temporary traffic signals with lane restrictions

*All dates are approximate and may be change as the work progresses.

Access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained at all times. Cyclists will be asked to dismount.

Bus services will continue during the works, however, there may be some impact to the service. Bus companies are aware and may be operating a revised route - please check their website for more information regarding timetable changes.

Waste collection will not be affected. We are liaising with the waste management team to address any concerns and ensure waste collections are carried out.

Emergency services are aware of the planned closures and access will be facilitated where possible. They are also aware of the diversion arrangements in place for emergency vehicles.

Map of diversion route

Further information

• Local businesses remain open and access will be facilitated where possible.

• Delays are expected and motorists should plan their journeys accordingly.

• Public on-site information boards will provide help and advice.

Contact Highways

If you consider a highways issue to be a danger to life:

Call the Highways Customer Services Team on 0300 123 5025

Highways
Floor 6
Delamere House
Delamere Street Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 2LL