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.

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
• footway improvements to enhance accessibility and the overall walking environment

Phase 2 site plan

 

Timetable for Stage 2 of Manchester Road Roadworks

Phase 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

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