Expanding the Bee Network in Leigh

Works are set to get underway to deliver major improvements for pedestrians and cyclists along St Helens Road in Leigh.

With a new separate cycle lane and pedestrian crossings, the completed project will make it easier and safer to visit the town centre.

The works will start on Monday 30 September with a one-way closure of St Helens Road and route diversions in place.

St Helens Road will be open to northbound traffic - heading towards Leigh - throughout the works, with southbound traffic to be diverted down Atherleigh Way bypass.

Councillor Paul Prescott, cabinet portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport, said: “More than 1,000 cars are recorded per hour using St Helens Road at peak times.

“The current cycling options are not up to scratch and it is not an easy road to cross on foot.

“By installing this high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure, it will be easier and safer for people who want to leave their car at home and hop on their bike or walk into town, go to school, or visit the businesses on St Helens Road.

“These new paths will connect with our existing Bee Network paths in the borough, connecting Leigh town centre with Leigh Sports Village and Pennington Flash.

“We know that there is a real appetite among local people to have better options for walking and cycling.

“Leigh Bike Library based just down the road at Leigh Sports Village has been very popular.

“More than 240 members have joined since it opened, and 200 people have attended bike skills courses to be more confident on a bike, enabling them to make the choice to leave the car at home for those short, local journeys.  

“This project will make it possible to cycle safely and easily from Pennington Flash, all the way up to the canal. Future schemes will continue to improve the infrastructure into Leigh itself, with a proposed new pedestrian and cycle bridge and pedestrian and cycle facilities extended up into the town centre. This is the first big step in creating a truly connected Bee Network.”

A two-way cycle track will be built on the west side of St Helens Road, from Bonnywell Road to the canal, with two toucan crossings planned; one near Bonnywell Road and an upgrade of the crossing near West Bridgewater Street.

Crossing points on side roads will also be improved, with drop kerbs and tactile paving.

Coun Prescott added: “Creating a joined up active travel network is a marathon, not a sprint, and we know that can be frustrating.

“This stretch will make a real tangible difference, expanding and connecting the Bee Network locally and giving people more safe, easy choices in how they travel.

“We have worked to minimise disruption as much as possible, with this diversion shortening the overall time the works will take by four months, compared to keeping two-way traffic on St Helens Road throughout.

“This diversion will also be lifted for the Christmas period, in line with our approach to roadworks across our borough.”

Bus diversion routes will be in place with full changes advertised on affected bus stops, at Leigh Bus Station and on the TfGM website.

For full information visit: Travel alerts | Bee Network

These works are expected to be complete and the new scheme open in Spring 2025.

This project is funded by the Mayor’s Challenge Fund, a Greater Manchester Combined Authority fund to expand the Bee Network and create better active travel opportunities across Greater Manchester.