Traffic and pedestrian improvement scheme well underway

Extensive traffic calming measures are to be introduced in a Cheshire East village to improve pedestrian safety and deal with traffic concerns.

Works are taking place in Alderley Edge to create a 20mph zone, with additional highways safety measures at various locations. 

Several highways features are being introduced, aimed at slowing traffic and forcing drivers to control their speed. The programme of works follows the proposals for a 20mph zone, which have been consulted on and supported by local residents, schools and Cheshire police. It is hoped to complete the works by the end of February, and the council plans to minimise disruption as much as possible. 

Residents will see new signage, surface treatments, kerbing works and road markings, as well as raised road surfaces on and near pedestrian crossings, in key places throughout the village, and in some locations in the surrounding area, including schools. 

Temporary traffic signals will operate from 30 January for about five weeks between 8am–6pm, including weekends. This is to allow for kerb widening works, sign replacement and installation of draining and pedestrian crossing traffic calming measures. 

Temporary traffic lights will be operating in phases in:

● London Road near Heyes Lane junction for 10 days, 30 January to 8 February;

● London Road near Brown Street junction for 10 days, 8 February to 17 February; and

● Wilmslow Road near junction with Davey Lane for two days 27 February to 28       February.    

Two road closure are required to allow for resurfacing, kerbing works, draining works and installation of traffic calming measures in phases: 

● London Road/Congleton Road from Ryleys Lane to De Trafford Arms Hotel closed from 8am to 7pm, 11-12 February (weekend); and

● Ryleys Lane, closed for nine days during school half-term, from 18 February.

The scheme is a response to concerns raised by residents in a consultation, in which people were asked to give their views on driver behaviour and whether they wished to see any measures taken.

Evidence shows that reduced traffic speeds greatly improve the chance of a pedestrian surviving a collision with a vehicle. At 20 mph, a pedestrian has a 97 per cent chance of survival compared with a 10 per cent chance of survival at 40mph.

Councillor Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council deputy leader and chair of its highways and transport committee, said: “The aim of the scheme is to help protect the safety of all road users, especially in the village centre and near our three village schools. It will also support the village economy, by creating a calmer and more pleasant environment for visitors to London Road.

“We’re committed to reducing unsafe speeds, which will help make our streets feel safer and create a more attractive place for people to walk, cycle and spend time, supporting a healthier and more active lifestyle.

“We recognise that this will create some disruption and we apologise for the inconvenience this may cause but we hope that, in the long term, residents in Alderley Edge will see the benefits of such an extensive scheme.”

Cheshire East highways have issued leaflets to residents explaining the works being undertaken.

Some road closures are required for public safety and the safety of our workforce when final surfacing takes place. Some aspects of the scheme have been planned to coincide with school holidays, where possible, to minimise any impact. Diversion routes are in place and all drivers are urged to follow these.

More information on the scheme can be found here