18 August 2009
Work begins on the next phase of the Salford section of the Bridgewater Way
Councillors, representatives from Peel and local supporters met on the bank of the Bridgewater Canal today to mark the start of work on the second phase of Bridgewater Way regeneration of the canal waterside in Salford. This phase of work will concentrate on the section between the M602 and Parrin Lane, adding to the completed route between Liverpool Road, Hall Bank and the M602.
The contractor, Cheetham Hill Construction Ltd, has been appointed to complete the work which will provide a new Regional Route and pleasant environment for walkers and cyclists along the canal towpath from south of the M602 to Parrin Lane. The stretch of work includes connecting the Bridgewater Way Regional Route 82 to the National Route 55 in order to create a longer bicycle route in the area. The mile long phase 3 works in Salford will add to the 12 miles of the Bridgewater Way work already complete in Eccles, Leigh, Runcorn and ongoing work in Trafford.
The phase 3 works in Salford is funded by Salford West, Salford Local Transport Plan, the Bridgewater Canal Trust and canal owners Peel. The scheme, including works to the towpath and Old Fold Park, will cost approximately £160,000
Louise Morrissey, Director of Land and Planning at Peel said, “We are delighted that work has begun today on the next stretch of the Bridgewater Way in Salford. The work will be a great advantage for the area by opening up the canal side’s access and allowing for more use by pedestrians and cyclists. Once complete, there will be 13 miles of the total 40 mile route along the Bridgewater Canal made safer and more accessible.”
Cllr Bernard Pennington, Chairman of the Bridgewater Canal Trust said, “I am very pleased that work is starting again in Salford to extend the short completed section of the Bridgewater Way route to Monton and Parrin Lane. The Bridgewater Way is focussed on making the towpath a more pleasant place for walkers and cyclists and this work will go some way towards our goal of regenerating the 40 miles of towpath along the Bridgewater Canal.”
Cllr David Lancaster, Deputy Leader of Salford City Council and Chair of Salford West Partnership Board said: “This next section of work on the canal goes some way to achieving our long term aim to improve and open up the 40 miles of towpath along the Bridgewater Canal. I hope that by improving this section of the canal both residents and visitors to Salford will be able to walk and cycle along the improved towpath towards Monton.”
John Matthews, Chairperson of Westwood Park Community Association said, “Having discussed the project “Bridgewater Way” we would like to give it our association’s full backing, its possibly long overdue and so we take this opportunity to thank The Peel Group, for all their hard work, also to say thank you for being asked our views and concerns. Looking at the proposals, it can only improve the Bridgewater towpath and make a big improvement to its environment and surroundings. We look forward to its completion.”
Due to waterside construction works we would like to inform the public that the Bridgewater Canal towpath will be temporarily closed from August until October in Salford. For safety reasons, the public are asked to keep off the construction site during this time and find an alternative route.
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