Deansgate roadworks cause chaos. The council defends long-term plans for cleaner air and safer streets.
Deansgate is now a one-way street toward Liverpool Road. One side has a big new cycle lane, and street furniture sections it off. Recent work closed lanes near Whitworth Street West, and they are also fixing up the Bridgewater Viaduct footway. The new cycle lanes have mini zebra crossings.
The bollards make it look like a “go-kart track,” which is not a good look for a main route. Social media is full of angry comments about it. Some people feel pedestrians are at risk now.
One person questions bicycle priority over cars. Another asks why Deliveroo riders still use sidewalks. Others see a lack of vision and clear ownership of the project. They all want to know what is happening.
Frustrated drivers have driven on pavements because of it, and horns blare all day long at rush hour. People ask what Deansgate will look like and wonder when it will finish by Easter.
The council said people cannot yet see the overall plan, although they know some feel bad about the short-term impact. But they say benefits are coming later and want cleaner air and fewer cars. More safe streets are also part of it.
Businesses near the new cycle lane struggle to see gains. The parking is gone causing issues for customers and deliveries.
Jane Dowler owns Evuna and met with the council about it. She said few cyclists use the lane so far, stating that a campaign will get people cycling later.
The city hopes for bike rental stations later. The council knows Christmas was chaotic. They will adjust traffic signals when gridlocked, and a better park and ride service is needed too.
Dowler reports complaints about wine deliveries with no parking space for them. She says the cycle lane may change later, and the council wants ideas for it. They might widen pavements with more suggestions.
Julie Twist has seen the chaos from her office. She met Andy Burnham about the problems. He said it will be okay when it’s done, but right now, she sees real problems. She saw cars driving the wrong way.
Staff must allow extra travel time now. The changes do not help workers needing access, and buses cannot get through quickly now either. Cycle lanes remain blocked at each end.
The road has too much street furniture. Twist thinks competent drivers must focus carefully now. People simply do not know which way to go, and the horns honk with frustration constantly.
She likes the air quality goal in the long term though. Many new residents do not own cars, and the city needs better setup now to work right.
Cyclists are beginning to see benefits. James Turner thinks it invests in the future, and he says it will be valuable soon.
Turner does not own a car. He bikes to the city for work and fun a few times a week, and Deansgate feels calmer and nicer now for him.
He also sees other cyclists, many delivery riders, and he thinks they also deserve road space and protection.
The council shared their long-term plan for Deansgate. They state they want people over vehicles. Maps show the finished plans.
The council believes that the city center will grow, and they say this drives bold travel plans. These will help them be a leading European city.
Council leaders say the changes started in the pandemic. They are reimagining how they design the city center, and those plans will connect neighborhoods better.
The council believes that the plan will improve air quality and create a safer environment. To meet these goals, they need the support of the public.
They will improve transit, lower costs, and use technology. These adjustments hope to ease traffic flow.
Though unfinished currently, more changes will follow. They recognize the disruption it brings to drivers. However, they want more green spaces, cleaner air, and less traffic.