WORK to connect Wigan Pier Quarter with Wigan town centre is now complete.

Roadworks were in place for a number of months as cycling and walking facilities were installed, as well as improved crossings and lighting.

Known as 'The Road to Wigan Pier', the scheme forms part of Wigan Council’s plan to improve connectivity across the borough, encourage sustainable travel, and provides a safe and attractive link to the new Wigan Pier development.

The route will also connect with the cycle facilities at Saddle Junction and is another step forward in joining up Greater Manchester’s growing cycling and walking network.

Leader of the council, Councillor David Molyneux, said: “We want to thank people for their patience while this scheme has been in progress.

“The new route and facilities, as well as complementing a new commercial development in the town centre, will connect to other schemes nearby and the wider network, which will further improve the walking and cycling experience.

“It’s been an ambition for the council for a long time to improve connectivity and safety for all road users, which includes providing reliable alternative options if we are to encourage people to leave the car at home.

“Encouraging more sustainable travel, such as walking and cycling, also has a positive impact on our air quality and overall benefits for our physical and mental health.”

 The improvements to the area include:

  • A two-way segregated cycling facility
  • Improved public realm and landscaping
  • Improved footways along Wallgate between Great George Street and Haig Street
  • New and improved crossing points along the route and across Wallgate and Southgate.
  • Improved lighting and better signage

 There will also be a number of trees planted along the central reservation, which will take place in November when it is tree planting season.

A number of key transport projects are now complete across the borough, as part of the council’s long-term plan to build a walking and cycling network.

Greater Manchester's 'Bee Network' aims to connect all ten local authorities and make active travel a safe, easy and attractive option.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, added: “Our ambition is to create the largest cycling and walking network in the UK, and make active travel the number one choice for local journeys.

“To do that we need safe and accessible cycling and walking routes, which is exactly what’s been delivered with the Road to Wigan Pier scheme in Wigan.

“Well connected cycling and walking routes like this are key to our vision for a fully integrated transport system, The Bee Network, in which active travel will help to reduce people’s reliance on cars, create better places to live and drive growth in the economy and our high streets."