Consultation opens on proposals to extend Castleton cycle lane to Rochdale town centre

The new lane will utilise sections of Old Manchester Road where cars and bikes can share space, resulting in no loss of on street parking

Residents can give their views on plans to extend the Castleton cycle lane from the Royal Toby Hotel into Rochdale town centre, with a new consultation now under way.

The proposals, which are part of Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network scheme, include the creation of a dedicated cycle lane, alongside major junction upgrades, public realm schemes and road resurfacing.

Much of the route would be marked out on sections of Manchester Road which run parallel to the main dual carriageway. This area is often referred to as Old Manchester Road.

The scheme would see the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit on Old Manchester Road with traffic calming measures, alongside complete resurfacing of both the roads and paths on these sections of the route.

All six major junctions along this key route, including those at Roch Valley Way and Drake Street, will be upgraded to include separate sections for cyclists and walkers.

In addition, access to Highfield Hospital would be substantially improved, with three new dedicated pedestrian and cycle crossings, covering Manchester Road and Kemp Avenue, replacing the existing subway access.

The council says that major public realm improvements and extensive landscaping would also feature, to ensure wider benefits to the local communities and businesses in the area.

Using quieter sections of road would enable the project to be delivered with no loss of existing on street parking on Old Manchester Road, as any new cycle lane could be integrated into the existing street scene in these areas.

Councillor Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This scheme will unlock substantial funding for this area, which will help support key improvements, like new landscaping and crossing upgrades all along this busy route.

“It’s important the public help us shape the scheme, including its design and detail, and that’s why, in addition to the online consultation, we’re writing to 2,000 residents and businesses in the area, and holding face-to-face events, so people can come and chat to our team."

The public consultation can be accessed at www.rochdale.gov.uk/consultations and people have until midnight on Sunday 26 August to respond.

People can also speak to the team at two events in Number One Riverside from 4pm to 7pm on the following dates:

• Thursday 3 August
• Thursday 17 August