Work to widen a notorious 'pinch point' on a busy Manchester road will start next year despite the controversy over a new bridge, and a lack of cycling lanes.
And plans to create new steps linking the road to the Fallowfield Loop have been axed - because the council says it would be too expensive to create a ramp instead, and going ahead with the steps would be unfair on people who can't use them.
Manchester council has confirmed that work to remove the former railway bridge and create a dual carriageway on Hyde Road in Gorton will begin in January 2020.
The town hall argues that the project fits in with its recent declaration of a 'climate change emergency' because it aims to reduce congestion, and therefore pollution.
The council confirmed that work to remove the bridge would take around four months to complete, reduced from the 12 months initially suggested.
However, controversial plans to include a staircase to the new bridge have now been scrapped.
Concerns were raised earlier this year as it was feared access steps would not be suitable for disabled people.
“The consultation highlighted that there is a concern about the lack of a ramp to access the Fallowfield Loop,” a council representative said in response to a public consultation held in September.
“A ramp just isn't possible because of the amount of privately owned land that would be needed. The costs to acquire this land is therefore prohibitive.
“In response to comments made, we've therefore taken the decision to not progress with the steps as this would have not been fair for those who aren't able to use steps.”
Concerns were also raised over a lack of cycling provisions in the initial plans, but Manchester Council has confirmed there will still be no cycle lanes included at this stage of the project.
“Although a bid was made for Mayor’s Challenge Funding the scheme did not qualify and so we haven't been able to secure funding to include cycle lanes. The road is also not a Bee Line,” the response stated.
“In response to comments raised we've made sure that there is enough space to include a cycle lane should in the event funding becomes available in the future.”
The council said the plans had been ‘sustainably’ considered and would help to reduce emissions in the area.
Read more of today's top stories
“Declaring a climate change emergency does not preclude development in the city – we still need to create the homes and jobs our growing city needs over the next 20 years,” the council’s response said.
“We however need to do this in as sustainable a way as possible.
"This specific scheme will reduce the number of vehicles idling in congestion and reduce emissions.
“We also need to keep the city moving. We need to reduce car use by improving the alternatives – but unless we plan for and manage existing traffic we will only end up with more congestion and more emissions.
“Adopting new policies and approaches can’t be done overnight – but we are working hard on it.”
According to response following the September consultation, 26.4 percent of respondents either agreed or slightly agreed with the proposals while 18.3 percent of respondents either disagreed or slightly disagreed.
55.3 percent of respondents remained neutral with the proposals.
Improvements to lighting and drainage in the surrounding area will be made, alongside the installation of CCTV cameras. These improvements will remain in place after the project is completed.
Temporary road closures will be introduced at Woodland Road and Dean Road near the Waterhouse Road junctions to stop road users cutting through.
“Throughout the majority of the work, one lane in each direction will be open to road users to minimise disruption,” the response added.
“All work will be scheduled to avoid major events and to be on weekends where possible.”
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.
