Bury Council plans to install the new road layout, costing £2.89m, in Spring Lane, Radcliffe – close to the town’s tram stop and the site of the new Star Academy high school, where a permanent building is under construction.
CYCLOPS junctions – short for Cycle Optimised Protected Signals – aim to improve the safety and flow of traffic for cyclists and pedestrians.
But a petition against the scheme has been published on Bury Council’s website, titled “Cancel CYCLOPS-style junction plans on Spring Lane, Radcliffe”.
The text of the petition, which is live until May 26, describes the road plans as “monstrous” and “likely to exacerbate the existing gridlock in an already congested area of our town”.
The petition reads: “This proposal, which is intended to create a cycling and walking-friendly environment, has been met with widespread opposition due to the significant negative implications it poses for our community.
“The proposed junction design is described as confusing and has the potential to cause chaos for drivers navigating this busy area.
“The complexities of the layout may lead to increased traffic incidents and further congestion, rather than the intended improvements to traffic flow and safety.
“Many residents believe that the funds allocated for this cycling and walking-friendly scheme would be better spent on alternative projects that address the actual needs of our community.
“We urge the council to reconsider this plan and engage in a more comprehensive consultation process that genuinely involves the voices of our community. ”
Radcliffe First councillor Mary Walsh has supported the calls for a re-think.
She said: “This is not the right place and is too small for such a CYCLOPS junction, and we believe it will increase the danger to pedestrians, cyclists, and car drivers.”
Speaking last October, when the funding was announced for the scheme, Dame Sarah Storey, active travel commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:
“The new infrastructure to be installed near to Star Academy in Radcliffe will undoubtedly enable more pupils to travel actively to school, and once further
works are complete, fully connect them to other destinations across the town centre.”
She said the scheme “will make a real difference in Radcliffe making it safer and easier for people to walk, wheel or cycle along key routes to popular destinations”.
A decision notice from Bury Council’s cabinet on the scheme said the the construction of the CYCLOPS junction and active travel elements would be funded from the Greater Manchester city region sustainable transport settlement.
The decision notice read: “A new link road will be constructed to provide access to the school from Radcliffe.
“This new link road will connect to the existing highway network at Spring Lane and will incorporate active travel details.
“The Spring Lane junction will take the form of a CYCLOPS, the main features of which are segregated cycle facilities and improved pedestrian crossings.
“Pedestrian and cycle facilities will also be provided between the Spring Lane junction and the new school.
“The CYCLOPS junction is part of a wider plan to create a network of active travel routes in and around Radcliffe that will connect to existing facilities and proposed new developments, including the new secondary school on Spring Lane, the new civic hub in the town centre, and the new housing development at the site of the former East Lancashire Paper Mill.
“It will also connect to the Radcliffe Metrolink stop.”
