Purpose

This report forms part of the previously approved process to secure MCF funding, that, like other reprioritised MCF schemes, forms part of a North Active Travel Corridor spanning from the M60 Junction 7 via Talbot Road through to Salford and onto Manchester via the A56 Old Chester Road to the Cornbrook Junction.

The report summarises the outcomes of the consultation of the proposed improvements and to recommend that the proposed scheme and progress to detailed design stage and, subject to all necessary MCF business case approvals, proceed to delivery as per programme of works.

Decision

a)    That the content and findings of the presentation and consultation report be noted.

b)    That the Executive Member notes that the scheme, incorporating enhancements following input from the consultation, be progressed to detailed design, and thereafter subject to all necessary MCF business case approvals, proceed to delivery.

c)    That the programme as set out in Section 3 of the report, be noted.

d)    That the Executive Member delegates authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Systems, to negotiate and finalise the grant funding agreements, construction contracts and any other contracts or documents required to implement the decision.

e)    That the Executive Member delegates authority to the Director of Legal and Governance to enter any contracts or other documents requires to implement this decision.

Reasons for the decision

It is recommended that the A56 Phase 2 from the M60 Junction 7 to Talbot Road scheme progress to detailed design stage and, subject to all necessary MCF business case approvals, proceed to delivery as it supports Trafford’s objectives of providing alternative sustainable active travel modes of transport being used across the Borough that will benefit health and wellbeing and air quality.

Alternative options considered

The alternative options would include retaining the existing temporary cones on the A56 and continuing to incur the costs of maintaining the infrastructure and negative perceptions of having an incomplete, non-compliant cycle scheme. A second alternative would involve removing the scheme altogether; this would risk forfeiting the road space for active travel, potentially limiting future uses.

Both alternatives are missed opportunities to achieve the outcomes as stated in the councils Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling strategy of improving infrastructure and support towards reducing carbon emissions. They would also impact on Trafford’s reputation for securing future funding bids for other MCF grant Active Travel opportunities.