Scheme Proposals
The way people view roads is changing. As part of the Bee Network, more is being done to support the need for improved safety and cleaner air, especially at a local, residential level.
The Leigh scheme aims to improve road safety by providing more crossings and junction improvements and create safer, more welcoming spaces outside the schools at peak times.
As well as improving road safety, the aim is to improve air quality in this area by encouraging people to walk more for shorter journeys and create more public realm space where people can enjoy spending time outdoors safely.
In March 2023 we asked for your views on the some of the designs proposed to try and alleviate traffic issues in the area and you gave us lots of feedback which has helped to shape the latest scheme designs.
Thank you to everyone who got involved and took the time to share their views!
You Said and We’ve Listened
Proposal 1. Puffin Crossing on Twist Lane
There is a lack of crossing points on Twist Lane which is a busy road. The proposal is to put in a Puffin Crossing, close to Hill Street near the vets.
Side road crossings are proposed for Twist Lane at the junctions of Organ Street, Hill Street and Welch Hill Street. These will improve safety for pedestrians.
Proposal 2. Puffin Crossing on Kirkhall Lane
There is a lack of crossing points on Kirkhall Lane which is a busy road and is the location of Leigh St Johns Primary School.
The proposal is to put in a Puffin Crossing, close to Glebe Street.
Side road crossings are proposed at the junctions of Gordon Street, Glebe Street and the entrance to B&Q. These will improve safety for pedestrians.
The footways at these locations will be built out to narrow the road. Drivers turning into the side roads will have to slow down, and pedestrians will have a shorter distance to cross the road.
Proposal 3. Toucan Crossing on Atherleigh Way
A ‘desire line’ exists that connects Wigan and Leigh College from Windermere Grove to Atherleigh Way, opposite the Sainsburys car park. Desire lines or desire paths are unplanned routes used by pedestrians in preference to, or in the absence of a designated footway.
If this path is being used, it also means people are crossing Atherleigh Way where there is no controlled crossing point, putting themselves at risk on a busy road.
The proposal is to put a Toucan Crossing at this location on Atherleigh Way and upgrade the desire line with new surfacing and designate it as a footpath.
Side road crossings are proposed for Windermere Grove near the college and at the junction of Windermere Road and Coniston Street.
- This proposal is subject to further traffic modelling, but we don’t envisage any additional delay to traffic.
- The new crossing will only go red when someone is there waiting to cross and will be synchronised with the other signals along Atherleigh Way.
- The new crossing and improved path will provide a shorter, more direct route to the schools for those parents and children who take part in the Park & Stride scheme.
Proposal 4. Traffic Calming on Walmesley Road
Walmesley Road will be reduced to one-lane whilst the remaining lane will be made one-way westbound from Walmesley Court to Grasmere Street.
- This will allow road space to be reallocated towards other users of the street and improve the quality of the space outside the school – for rest, play and connection.
- One-way streets generally result in fewer crashes with pedestrians as there’s fewer turning movements.
- Additional changes will be made to discourage drivers from speeding.
Feedback from the earlier consultation told us that traffic coming in and out of Asda so close to a bend in the road made this area unsafe to cross.
To help make it safer for pedestrians, the proposals for Walmesley Road include:
- A zebra crossing outside St Mary’s Church, close to the Asda entrance.
- Make all of Vicarage Square one-way (most of currently is) to reduce the number of vehicle movements at Asda.
- Side road crossings at Walmesley Court, Vicarage Square, Asda entrance and St Mary’s Way.
Proposal 5. Traffic Calming on Windermere Road
Windermere Road will be reduced to one-lane whilst the remaining lane will be made one-way eastbound from Grasmere Street to the car park entrance opposite Roydale House.
- This will allow road space to be reallocated towards other users of the street and improve the quality of the space outside the schools – for rest, play and connection.
- One-way streets generally result in fewer crashes with pedestrians as there’s fewer turning movements.
- Additional changes will be made to discourage drivers from speeding.
The School Street will continue to operate at drop-off and pick-up times.
The timed closure will be extended to include:
- Windermere Road (from Grasmere Street to Gordon Street).
- Glebe Street (from Prescott Street).
If the trial is successful, ANPR cameras will enforce the timed closure going forward.
Residents and emergency vehicles will still have access to properties at all times.
Proposal 6. Traffic Calming on Boughey Street
The junction of Boughey Street and Organ Street has seen a few nasty accidents due to drivers not adhering to the give-way markings. The original proposal was to close this junction and make it two-way on Boughey Street between Rydal and Organ Street.
After consulting with the waste collection team who had concerns about manoeuvring their lorries on terraced streets with cars parked on the junction of Rydal Street, we are proposing traffic calming instead.
The on-street parking will be moved to the opposing side of the road which will slow drivers down, as they will have to negotiate parked cars on opposite sides and there won’t be a long straight road with clear views.
There will be no loss of parking. It will just be moved.
The opposite corners at the junction of Boughey and Organ Street will have footway build-outs to narrow the road. This will protect pedestrians by slowing drivers down and creating a shorter distance for people to cross.
We would also like to plant a street tree on one of the corners.
Uncontrolled crossings are proposed on Boughey Street and Organ Street.
Proposal 7. Area-wide improvements
Think about how you use your local streets; what are the issues, and what improvements would make them better for walking, for people of all generations?
We need to understand local issues from your perspective as the people who use them every day.
For example:
- Do we need more dropped kerbs for wheelchair and pushchair users?
- Are there uneven footway surfaces that make it difficult for those with mobility issues to get around?
- Are there other road junctions that would benefit from traffic calming like the Boughey Street proposal?
- Do you know of any short-cuts that need surfacing or lighting to make them feel safer and more attractive to use?
- Which roads are awkward to cross and would benefit from a crossing point?
- Create summer shade! Are there any streets with space for trees? Would you like to see other 'greening' on your street, such as planters? And if so, where?
Get involved and influence the way we shape your local streets by sharing your feedback and sharing your suggestions for area-wide improvements.
Help us create a positive, nicer place to live for all residents.