A34 Corridor Improvement Plan - Scheme 4 (Kingsway Crossing)

Overview

Our A34 Corridor Improvement Plan includes a series of measures to enhance walking and cycling connectivity, ease congestion at key locations and unlock growth potential between the M60 and A555.

The plan includes improved walk, wheel and cycle routes and safer crossings connecting to the wider and expanding Bee Network. The Bee Network is Greater Manchester’s vision for a more ‘joined up’, sustainable and accessible transport system, including for those walking, wheeling or cycling.

The plan also includes a series of junction layout changes to improve traffic flows.

Information about the measures being implemented and how they were developed is at: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/a34-corridor-improvement-plan.

The proposals were supported during public consultation and received approval to be delivered. Following the submission of our Full Business Case, the government approved funding for the delivery of this plan in late 2023. Construction is in phases between 2024 and 2028, planned and co-ordinated to manage all forms of disruption as much as possible.

Kingsway Crossing

The plan includes the provision of a segregated cycleway and pedestrian footway on the A34 (west side) between Kingsway School and Cheadle Royal Business Park. It also includes improvements to Broadway, Wilmslow Road and Gatley Road to make it easier and more attractive to walk, wheel and cycle. Some of these works have now been completed or are ongoing.

The speed limit on the A34 has recently been reduced from 50 to 40mph between Cheadle Royal and Broadway, to join the existing 40mph speed limit from Broadway through to the Manchester boundary. The proposals we consulted on originally included the provision of a new subway under the A34 Kingsway to replace the existing subway and ramps between Foxland Road and Broadway.

Due to changing conditions and delivery constraints, we are now considering an alternative solution of providing a surface level, signal-controlled crossing over the A34 to provide this key east-west route for walking, wheeling and cycling. This proposed crossing would take the form of a ‘Sparrow’ crossing which is a signalised pedestrian crossing with a separate, parallel cycle crossing alongside it. The crossing would be more accessible to cyclists and those with mobility impairments, as it provides a much shorter route than a subway with ramps, and there would be no changes in level.

Reconsidering the design of this scheme has allowed us to propose an option that represents closer alignment to the design principles contained with Streets for All, the Greater Manchester design guidance. In addition to a recent speed reduction scheme on this section of the A34, providing primacy for sustainable transport modes over private vehicle users and ensuring that pedestrians and cyclists are an accepted part of the highway network. The crossing proposals would align to the existing urban environment in this area on the A34 and help form a gateway feature, particularly for the residents with frontages onto the road itself.

Segregated pedestrian and cycle links between the new crossing and both school campuses would be provided, as well as a connection to the route along the west side of the A34 between the school and Cheadle Royal. For the link to the Foxland Road campus, two mature trees would need to be removed which is a significant reduction from the tree removal that would have been required for the new subway scheme. Additional space would be provided for pedestrians and cyclists at the eastern end of Foxland Road, and the provision of a new vehicle turning area would be carried out as originally planned. 

Near The Kingsway School pupil entrance on Broadway, it is proposed to construct a Toucan crossing, a signalised crossing that allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross the road together with shared paths on each side of the road.

The existing subway would be retained in its current form and would remain as the recommended route for Kingsway School pupils. Cosmetic improvements, such as improving the lighting and surfacing will be made. Vegetation adjacent to the ramps is proposed to be cleared to enhance the safety of users. Again, this would be a significant reduction in vegetation clearance than would previously have been required for the new subway.

On Kingsway some kerb realignment would take place to widen the southbound carriageway to the east and allow for the widening of the central reserve for the new crossing. The on-carriageway advisory cycle lane that starts just south of Gatley Road would be removed entirely as it does not comply with current design guidance for cycling facilities. Existing bus stops will also need to be relocated as part of the scheme.

We want to know what you think of our ideas to improve active travel here and would appreciate you taking the time to look at the details on the general arrangement and giving your feedback.

Please follow the link below for detailed information about the proposals and to provide your response to the consultation.