Scheme Proposals
Our ambition for Wigan borough is to increase the amount of people using greener travel and improve connectivity in the borough.
The Major Projects team have secured funding from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF) to develop and deliver improvements to local cycling and walking infrastructure in Atherton and Tyldesley to improve connectivity, accessibility and encourage active travel.
Despite being so close together, getting between Atherton and Tyldesley can be difficult. Better sustainable transport links between local communities and Atherton train station, Tyldesley’s guided busway stop, and local amenities, are critical to support the local economy, and decarbonise our transport as we tackle our climate crisis.
This scheme also addresses some long-standing inadequacies in local infrastructure, such as the dangerous crossing on Bolton Road / Shakerley Lane.
This scheme provides for approximately 2.5 kilometres of quiet streets, off-road upgrades, new and enhanced crossings, joining Atherton train station to Tyldesley, via Shakerley Lane.
Proposal 1. Marlborough Road Modal Filter and Bolton Road Crossing
We propose a permanent modal filter on Marlborough Road / Mayfair Drive, closing the junction to motorists whilst maintaining access for walking and cycling. Modal filters cut down on rat running through quiet residential streets.
Bolton Road can feel dangerous due to high speeds and frequency of traffic. This makes the most direct route to Tyldesley for those walking, wheeling, and cycling - via Shakerley Lane - a less attractive choice.
We propose installing a toucan crossing - these are signalised green-man crossings, with enough width for people walking, taking their bikes, or using a mobility scooter.
We also propose footway improvements, to make it a nicer area to walk. By reducing the width of turns for vehicles, motorists are forced to reduce their speed, reducing overall speed and contributing to safety. Furthermore, more space can be found for pedestrians, making crossing points easier and safer for those on foot.
Proposal 2. Shakerley Lane Surfacing
Shakerley Lane is the most direct route to and from Atherton and Tyldesley, but isn't much used. The bridleway can be dirty and muddy; is full of pot holes; and does not feel very safe after dusk due to a lack of lighting.
We propose surfacing improvements, with a tar spray and chip finish similar to that on other schemes, such as the Standish Mineral Line. Addressing the pot holes and mud will make the route easier for all users.
We also propose lighting to make the whole area feel safer, whether using it to head to the shops, or catch the train.
Proposal 3. Lancaster Avenue. Traffic Calming and Improve Crossings
To improve safety along Lancaster Avenue, we propose traffic calming measures.These include humps, and tighter turns - tighter turns force motorists to take more care and drive more slowly; they also provide us with more space to install markers for the visually impaired, to make the street more inclusive for all.
Proposal 4. The Common. New Bridge and General Improvements
The Common is a great community asset, and we want to make it even easier to make the most of Tyldsley's green space.
We propose improvements along the path, taking out the very narrow bridge and replacing it with a wider bridge, making it easier to push a buggy, pram, or cycle with friends.
Proposal 5. Tyldesley One-Ways, Shuttle Street Improvements.
We propose changing Johnson Street and Primrose Street North from two-way to one-way for motorists. We also propose contraflow cycling signs, as in the drawings.
Shuttle St. is a busy road that can feel dangerous due to high speeds and frequency of traffic. We propose a new signalised green-man crossing leading on to Milk Street. We also propose increasing the width of the pavement.
Where Milk Street meets Shuttle Street, we propose to improve the pedestrian link - removing the ugly metal railings.
Proposal 6. Elliot St. Zebra Crossing
The existing Elliot St. zebra crossing is not as safe as it could be. There is poor visibility for motorists turning from Well St. onto Elliot St, which poses a risk to pedestrians using the zebra crossing.
This could be improved by moving the zebra across to the junction, so that it is in-front of the Mort Arms, benefiting both those on the pavement, and those on the roads.
