Decision

The Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services has given approval to the following gives approval to package of measures for the A34MRN Corridor Improvement Plan – Scheme 4 (to be funded by the Department for Transport as part of the £33.6million MRN grant awarded to Stockport Council in November 2023) as detailed in the report and comprising the following:-

·         The proposal to construct a surface level Sparrow signalised crossing (which keeps cyclists and pedestrians segregated) over the A34 instead of providing a replacement subway, including the realignment of the Broadway junction, associated foot and cycle paths and bus stop relocations that this requires.

·         The proposal to retain the existing subway structure in its current form and carry out minor upgrades such as improved lighting, vegetation removal and resurfacing.

·         The proposal to remove the advisory cycle lane on the A34 southbound carriageway.

·         The proposal to construct traffic calming in the form of a raised carriageway section at the junction of Broadway and the Kingsway Access Road (at the western end).

·         The proposal to improve the signal crossing on Broadway by upgrading it to a Toucan crossing (which allows pedestrians and cyclists to cross together) and retain it in its current position outside the school access/egress.

·         The proposal to close the existing turning area on Foxland Road to traffic and construct a new vehicle turning area at the school entrance.

·         The proposal to reduce the speed limit on the A34 from approximately 60m south of Broadway to approximately 90m north of Braystan Gardens to 30mph subject to advertising of the associated Traffic Regulation Order and consideration of objections.

Alternative options considered

The originally approved replacement subway scheme has been discounted due to changing operational requirements, updated active travel and accessibility guidance, significant construction cost inflation, and delivery constraints that would require major disruption, including potential full closures of the A34. An enclosed footbridge was also considered but rejected because the length of ramps needed to achieve the required clearance would require substantially more land within an already constrained site, particularly near Broadway, and could present significant planning and deliverability challenges. Following a review of current conditions and design standards, a surface-level signal-controlled Sparrow crossing has been identified as the most practical and proportionate solution, providing a more direct, accessible and deliverable crossing of the A34 while retaining the existing subway as an alternative route.