Aim: The scheme will provide an improved walking and cycling link between Macclesfield Town centre and the Middlewood Way.
Current situation: Cyclists share the road with significant levels of traffic leaving the nearby supermarket. The crossing points at the supermarket exit and on Hurdsfield Road (B5470) are narrow and difficult for pedestrians and cyclists to use. There is also a narrow sharp turn for cyclists on the southern side of Hurdsfield Road (B5470) linking to the shared pedestrian and cycle path which connects towards Macclesfield rail station.
Proposed solution:
The width of the current pavement on the eastern side of Black Lane between the Hurdsfield Road (B5470) Toucan crossing and the supermarket exit will be increased to 3m. This will allow the creation of a shared pedestrian and cycle path. A wider shared pedestrian and cycle path will be provided on either side of the Toucan crossing on Hurdsfield Road (B5470). This will be achieved by removing the left-hand lane on the eastbound Hurdsfield Road (B5470) approach to the Black Lane junction. We do not believe this will cause additional traffic congestion. The sharp bend on the shared pedestrian and cycle path on the western side of Hurdsfield Road (B5470) will be removed and replaced with a straighter alternative. Access to Black Lane and the surrounding businesses and residential properties will be maintained at all times. The option of making Black Lane one way southbound to provide new cycle tracks has been considered. This was found to be unfeasible as large goods vehicles servicing some of the businesses on Black Lane would have to use alterative narrow residential streets.As part of the Black Lane scheme the Council is seeking to improve the crossing point at the supermarket exit to provide a better link to the Middlewood Way. This land is privately owned and discussions will be held with the land owner to identify improvements that can be made.
