Council launches survey on scheme to improve access to Crewe town centre

Cheshire East Council is inviting people to share their views on designs for a scheme to improve access to Crewe town centre.

The council has launched a survey on its ‘Flag Lane link’ scheme, which will create new routes for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles, and reduce congestion and journey times.

The scheme is part of a package of projects being progressed following the council’s successful bid to the government’s Future High Streets Fund.

Work is planned to begin in spring 2022 and will be carried out in two phases, with phase one including long-standing plans to connect Dunwoody Way to Delamere Street via Flag Lane and create a new junction at the end of Harrison Drive. The new link road and junction will not have traffic lights.

Phase two would include upgrades to local footpaths and the addition of cycle lanes. There will be further public engagement on these proposals and subject to the outcome of this, work on this phase is expected to begin in 2023.

Councillor Craig Browne, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said: “This scheme is part of our town centre-wide plan to reduce congestion and journey times and improve walking, cycling and other active travel options to and from the town centre.

“In particular, this scheme will be an important part of encouraging people to visit the town centre more often and stay for longer. 

"The feedback we receive through our survey will be used to inform the design of both phases of the scheme, but we will also be asking for further feedback once detailed plans for the phase two works are ready to be published.

“We want to know what people think the benefits of the scheme are and how we can make the most of them. We also want to hear their concerns and how they think we can address them.”

Further details about the other Future High Streets Fund projects will be announced as they progress, and all are expected to be delivered by the end of 2024.

Councillor Nick Mannion, chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “It is fantastic to see yet another of our plans for Crewe moving forward, so that we can continue to tackle key issues in the town and deliver major transformation for its communities.”

To take part in the Flag Lane link survey – which closes on 1 November 2021 – and for more information, visit the dedicated project webpage.

Anyone with questions can also get in touch with the scheme’s engagement team by email.

A drop-in public engagement event is also being held at Crewe Market Hall on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 October between 11am and 6pm.