Huge transport plans for Greater Manchester town

CGI image of how the transformed transport network around Heywood could look(Image: TfGM)

Heywood's transport network is about to be transformed. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has revealed updated plans on how a new road layout will look, focusing on 'active travel'.

Key changes include new signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings; improvements to the car park on Hill Street; junction and traffic signal upgrades; as well as widened footpaths and upgrades to existing bus stops.

Transport bosses want to improve journey times and the reliability of buses; cut congestion; and improve journeys for those walking and cycling.

Since the last round of consultations last spring, key changes have been made to the proposals, including the removal of the proposed bus gate on Lance Corporal Stephen Shaw MC Way; the removal of the proposed one-way system on Hartley Street; and the inclusion of signal upgrades at the L/Cpl Stephen Shaw MC Way and A58 junction, to 'improve the flow of traffic and reliability of bus services'.

The plans form part of a wider scheme looking at journeys between Rochdale and Bury, via Heywood - focusing on the 471 bus route along the A58 with the improvements planned between now and 2027.

Anthony Murden, deputy head of Projects Group at TfGM, said: "Since the last round of engagement on proposals for Heywood town centre we have listened, gone away and looked at the feedback gathered and updated our plans.

"Listening to our local communities and making sure that people’s views are taken on board is key to us building a Bee Network that is accessible to everyone and meets the needs of our local communities.

"These updated plans are aimed at improving journeys for people whether they are on a bus, on foot or on a bike by making them quicker, safer and more accessible and we will also improve journeys for all road users – including drivers – by reducing congestion.

"This is an important part of our plans for building the Bee Network, improving the journeys that people make every day – whether that is to school, work, the shops, to healthcare appointments or for leisure purposes.