The walking and cycling route between Newlands Avenue and Woodstock Avenues in Cheadle Hulme would help connect Thorn Grove Primary School with nearby St. James Catholic High School.
The approved program included upgrading the existing signal controlled pedestrian crossing on Gillbent Road.
The new “Sparrow” junction is a signal controlled parallel junction that separates pedestrians and cyclists as they cross and is one of the first of its kind in the UK.
Cllr David Meller, Cabinet Member for Business and Regeneration, Stockport Council, said, “This council is passionate about walking and cycling and it’s good news that work on our first #BeNetwork route is now complete.
“The new parallel intersection on Gillbent Road is the first of its kind in the UK. It is fantastic news that this new intersection marks the first part of our ambitious active travel plans for the district.
“I’ve said all along this council wants Stockport to pioneer when it comes to cycling and walking routes in Greater Manchester.
“The Mayor’s Challenge Fund is key to that goal, which is to increase the number of our residents who get to their destinations by bike and on foot – be it for work, school or leisure.”
Chris Boardman, Greater Manchester Cycling and Walking Commissioner, said, “Stockport Council is doing an excellent job across the borough to ensure that residents can leave their cars at home and cycle or walk locally. The number of programs currently running shows what ambitions they have to build a networked network between the communities
“The Gillbent Road intersection is a good example of how eliminating the risks posed by intersections can open up a variety of routes to get people to the places they want to reach with confidence. Making crossing the street easy and safe no matter how you go is key to getting people to walk to shops or ride bikes to school. Great job, Stockport! “
Work on three more # BeeeNetwork programs in Stockport has started. As part of the Heaton Links program, a new link has been made on Nelstrop Road in Heaton Chapel. In early February, work began on creating a new sheltered walking and cycling link between Bramhall Park and the A6 near High Lane. In addition, our teams have built part of the Offerton to Stockport link and made improvements to the St. Thomas Recreation Ground
