As record breaking temperatures soared across the country on what was the hottest day recorded in the UK, firefighters were called to reports of a vehicle fire on the hard shoulder of the Eastbound carriageway of the M602 between Junctions 1& 2 at around 8pm last night (Tues 17th June).

Thick black smoke billowed from the vehicle and flames quickly spread onto the grass verge of the carriageway.

Passing drivers watched firefighters bring the blaze under control.

It is not thought that anyone was seriously injured during the incident.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said:

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“Shortly before 8pm last night, Tuesday, July 17, we were called to reports of a vehicle fire on the M602 eastbound, between junctions 1 and 2.

“Three fire engines from Broughton, Agecroft and Eccles fire stations were quickly at the scene, where they found a fire involving one car on the hard shoulder, with the flames spreading to the embankment.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel and a jet to extinguish the fire and make the area safe. Crews were in attendance for around an hour.”

 

Emergency services were called to reports of a car having flipped onto its roof at the end of the M602 on Regent Road in the early hours of this morning (Sunday 10th July). 

The road was temporarily closed as firefighters and paramedics dealt with the situation, the vehicle is said to have been righted and made safe by firefighters using specialist winching equipment.

It is unclear as to if anyone was injured during the collision.

Traffic signals in the area were damaged as a result of the collision, prompting repairs.

 A  GMFRS spokesperson, said:

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“Just before 5am this morning (Sunday 10 July) firefighters were called to reports of a road traffic collision which involved one car on the M602, Salford.

"Fire crews from Salford fire station arrived quickly at the scene and used a winch to swiftly right the vehicle, which had overturned, before clearing and making the scene safe. GMFRS were in attendance for just over an hour.”

 

Motorists are being advised to find alternative routes after an incident on the anti-clockwise carriage way of the M60 near Eccles Junction 11 left lanes blocked.

The nature of the incident is unclear but a witness claimed that a car was seen being driven the wrong way along the carriageway, however, this is unconfirmed.

One lane has now reopened but traffic remains heavy with tailbacks of almost four miles with heavy congestion affecting some A roads in the area. 

Transport for the North outlines the region’s shared positions as part of work to revise the Strategic Transport Plan and enhance mobility for people and businesses

A collaborative approach to supporting spatial planning and improving rural mobility has been approved by the North of England’s political and business leaders, paving the way for improved connectivity and economic growth in the region.

The policy positions are part of Transport for the North’s (TfN) work to update its 2019 Strategic Transport Plan (STP) for the region and outline the benefits to be gained from investing in transport infrastructure. Agreed by the TfN Board Members, they reinforce the importance of the region speaking with “one voice” on the need for better transport networks and will help to inform the statutory advice the Sub-national Transport Body (STB) provides to Government.

On rural mobility the policy position sets out how TfN’s work can help support its partners as they seek to address issues including the impact of the cost of public transport, car dependency, and limited service. These issues are also highlighted in TfN’s soon-to-be-published research on transport-related social exclusion. 

The rural mobility document outlines four key roles for TfN:

Develop the rural evidence base and enhance TfN’s modelling capabilities to better reflect the rural need.

Assist partners to identify the most appropriate solutions by collating a library of case studies that can be used to support scheme development and innovative ideas.

Collaborate with other STBs - sharing knowledge and learning with the STB networks nationally to identify best practice and understand place-based solutions.

Utilise TfN’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to monitor improvements in pan-Northern rural mobility.

On spatial planning the policy positions highlight the importance of TfN working with its Members and partners in a collaborative approach that shares insights and experiences and enables its Members to take a holistic view to planning for transport, housing, and commercial needs. It outlines the key roles for TfN:

Early engagement with partners in their development of spatial plans and working to support the identification of strategic infrastructure options.

Making TfN’s evidence base available to enable a consistent baseline and approach when analysing the likely relationship between proposed developments and TfN’s strategic transport vision for the North. This includes TfN’s Transport Decarbonisation trajectories, Northern Evidence Hub and technical analysis and modelling capabilities.

Work collaboratively to support partners as they prepare effective policies and proposals that are sustainable, practical and well-designed.

Martin Tugwell, Chief Executive of Transport for the North, said:

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“In 2019 we published our Strategic Transport Plan: this sets out an ambitious vision for the North of England, one where modern transport connections enable sustainable economic growth and support an excellent quality of life.

“As we embark on creating a revised Strategic Transport Plan it’s important that we take into account the challenges and opportunities around decarbonisation, changes in travel behaviours post pandemic, and the emergence of new technologies. 

“Developing these and other policy positions, will help us ensure that the revised Strategic Transport Plan remains in-step with the needs and ambitions of the North of England’s residents and businesses.”

 

To find out more about the policy positions and Strategic Transport Plan visit: https://www.transportforthenorth.com/our-north/strategic-transport-plan/

Update: Northwest Motorway Police have said that there is now one lane of the M602 Westbound to the M62 open but there is still congestion.

There are a number of road closures currently in place due to a road traffic accident around Eccles Interchange.

A serious road traffic collision occurred between Junctions 11 and 12, shortly after 3pm this afternoon (Weds 8th June). A man is said to have been taken to hospital following the accident, his condition is as yet unknown.

The M62 between j11-12 was initially closed both ways but the westbound carriageway has now been released with long queues and no access available from the M60 or M602.

There is a knock on effect on local A-Roads with heavy congestion around M60 j11 with traffic diversions onto the A57 Liverpool Rd and Cadishead Way or if travelling counter clockwise off at j13 onto the A582 Leigh Rd or A575 Walkden Rd to get onto the A580 East Lancs Rd West Bound.

There are long delays being reported on local roads so avoid the area if possible, traffic on the M60 is backed up as far as j17 at Prestwitch. 

Emergency services are currently in attendance at the scene of a Road Traffic Accident this evening, which has occurred on Albert Street leading onto Peel Street in, opposite the Aldi store in Eccles.

We are being told that a vehicle has been involved in a collision with a cyclist.

Police have cordoned off several roads in the area whilst they conduct their investigations.

Access to Peel street is said to be currently blocked off from Church Street, however, access is still possible from the direction of Monton, over the motorway bridge down into Eccles.

Drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible.

The condition of the cyclist is currently unknown at this time, we have contacted GMP and NWAS for further information.

Photo Credit: Lee Middleton via Facebook

The M602 has been closed in both directions this evening after an undisclosed police incident.

The westbound carriageway between Junction 2 and 3 is closed with the eastbound carriageway closed eastbound from Junction 2.

Traffic is being diverted around the area and is having a knock on effect upon other roads in the vicinity.

Diversion Routes

Westbound diverted traffic is advised to follow the solid circle symbol on road signs:

At the A57/A5063 roundabout, join the A57 Eccles New Road westbound and follow for 2 miles

At the A57/A576 (Ladywell Roundabout), turn right onto the A576 Gilda Brook Road northbound

Continue until the A576/M602 J2 (Gilda Brook roundabout)

Take the 1st exit at the roundabout and re-join the M602 westbound

Eastbound traffic is being diverted via the exit and entry slip roads at J2

If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.

Further information is available from National Highways by visiting our www.trafficengland.com website and travel apps, or via our regional twitter feed.

Normal service is set to resume on the MediaCity to Eccles branch of the Metrolink this Saturday 30th April, as planned engineering works come to an end.

The line has been closed since the 4th April with replacement bus services taking place of trams in order to minimise disruption.

The closure allowed workers to replace sections of worn out track on the route between Eccles and MediaCity with more planned work set to follow later in 2022.

More info can be found at: https://tfgm.com/eccles-line-works 

In a message posted on to Twitter, TGfM said:

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“Today is the final day of the works on the Eccles line.

“Until the end of service today, a replacement bus service will call at all stops between Eccles & MediaCity. Trams are still running between Broadway & Ashton.”

 

Regent Road close to the Campanile hotel was closed off this morning after a collision between two cars in which two people had to be rescued by Firefighters after becoming trapped within the wreckage.

The accident is said to have happened around 8am this morning (Saturday 16th April).

Police quickly erected a cordon between Ordsall Lane and Trinty Way whilst emergency services attended the scene.

The road is expected to be closed for at least another 2-3 hours which could have an impact on this evenings match at Old Trafford.

So far, no details as to the medical state of the occupants has been released.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:

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“At around 8am this morning (Saturday 16 April) we were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving two cars on Regent Road, Salford.

“Two fire engines from Salford and the Technical Response Unit from Leigh were mobilised to the incident, where firefighters used cutting gear and other specialist equipment to rescue two people from a vehicle and convey them into the care of colleagues from North West Ambulance Service. Two other people had self-rescued prior to crews’ arrival.

“Firefighters made the area safe before departing after around an hour and a half at the scene.”

 

Roadworks are set to return to Folly Lane from Monday 16th of May as work to correct problems with the accumulation of water and incorrect road markings which have prevented the opening of the new pedestrian crossing which was installed as part of the Swinton Greenway Project.

Salford Council has announced that both it and contractor Casey have been working through several challenges needed to fix the issue at the crossing in order to open it as soon as possible.

Investigations, redesigns, obtaining materials and gaining the necessary permits has led to delays in the work being completed.

The work to correct the problem starts on Monday 16th May and is set to last a week.

During the initial roadworks there were severe disruptions along the busy road between Swinton and Monton as temporary traffic lights and lane closures caused huge problems which impacted other roads in the area.

Drivers are being advised to expect some further disruption as the work is carried out.

Metro Mayor Andy Burnham is set to press ahead with his plans for an integrated transport system 'Bee Network' across Greater Manchester after being awarded a £94.8m boost from the governments Bus Service Improvement Plan which is worth over £1BN.

Greater Manchester has already been awarded £1.07bn from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement for Greater Manchester.

Burnham hopes to be able to use the additional funding as part of the regions plans to improve existing bus services, reduce prices to customers and better evening and weekend services.

As part of the allocated funding, Metrolink will be receive £20.5m in order to ensure that trams continue to run despite a decline in passenger numbers due to the effect of the pandemic.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said:

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“Buses are the most popular way of getting around in this country – but for too long people outside of London have had a raw deal. The investment we’re making today to ramp up the bus revolution will drive down fares at a time when people’s finances are tight and help connect communities across England.”

Campaign for Better Transport research has revealed that bus services in the North West have declined by 38% in the last decade, with the pandemic having a devastating effect.

The transport charity is calling for a national, Government-led campaign to encourage people back on board and turn around the fortune of buses.

Across England as a whole:

·   Campaign for Better Transport’s research shows that more than a quarter (27 per cent) of bus services in England (as measured by vehicle miles) have vanished in the last decade

·   The number of bus services (as measured by 'live' bus registrations) dropped from 16,913 in March 2012, to 12,067 in March 2021 – a decline of 29 per cent across England

·   The biggest drop has been as a result of the pandemic: in the eight years between 2011/12-2018/19, bus vehicle miles in England dropped by ten per cent, whereas in the two years between March 2019 and March 2021, they fell by almost double that (18 per cent)

·   The regions with the biggest declines are the North West and the East of England, both losing 38 per cent of services, followed by the East Midlands with a 35 per cent loss.

Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said:

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"Buses are relied upon by millions of people and should play a central role in a green transport future, but they have been struggling for some time, and the pandemic has made things much worse. The Government must recognise the need for a national campaign to attract passengers back to public transport."

Given the strong Government messaging in the early part of the pandemic to avoid public transport, the charity believes that there is a segment of the public that will not return until the government overtly tells them it is safe to do so. The Government campaign should be accompanied by fare incentives and offers to encourage people back on board.

The charity contrasted last week's 5p cut in fuel duty in the UK with moves to cut public transport fares in countries such as New Zealand and Germany.

Mr Tuohy added: 

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"Last week's Spring Statement included a tax break for car drivers with a 5p cut in fuel duty, but nothing for public transport users, despite fares having risen at a far higher rate than fuel. The Government says it wants people to use public transport more and drive less, but its failure to provide any financial incentives for bus users makes a mockery of its levelling up and carbon reduction ambitions." 

From Monday 4 to Friday 29 April, planned engineering works will take place on part of the Eccles Metrolink line which will see sections of the route partially closed.

This essential maintenance work is the latest in a series of planned track renewals and represents the second phase of activity on the Eccles line this year, with several further phases of work planned for later in summer 2022.

The work will see the replacement of worn rails in a number of locations between Eccles and MediaCityUK.

Tram services will continue to operate as normal between Ashton and MediaCityUK, with more double trams on the line. A like-for-like bus replacement service will also operate between Eccles and MediaCityUK.

Metrolink staff will also be around at key locations, at busier times to help you to make your journey.

Passengers will be able to visit a dedicated travel advice page to find information on alternative travel options to help passengers plan their journey in advance.

TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Daniel Vaughan said:

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“We’re sorry for the inconvenience we know this partial closure of the Eccles line will cause, but we will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption.

“The Metrolink Eccles line is undergoing a planned programme of essential maintenance works to replace the 20-year-old rails and ensure we can continue to operate a safe and reliable service for years to come.”

“We’ll have a like-for-like bus replacement service in place, staff out along the line and contractors working around the clock to complete this project as soon as possible. I’d encourage customers using the network to plan ahead and allow extra time when making their journey.”

 

For all the latest information on the route upgrade works and latest travel guidance, customers should visit https://tfgm.com/eccles-line-works.

A 50-year-old man from Ashton-Under-Lyne has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, in relation to the murder of 24-year-old Alisha Apostoloff-Boyarin.

The ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Alisha, who was last seen in Durham in January 2022, was declared a murder investigation earlier this month, when a 59-year-old man from Willington, County Durham, was arrested on suspicion of her murder.

The arrest was made after detectives established that although Alisha was still missing, evidence suggested that she had come to serious harm.

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Andrew Naismith, said:

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"Our team of detectives are working around the clock to try and piece together what has happened to Alisha.

"We have followed a number of lines of enquiry so far which has resulted in two arrests and we feel that we are edging closer towards establishing the full circumstances.

"We have executed warrants at an address in County Durham this week, where we believe Alisha travelled to from Manchester. We subsequently arrested a second suspect on Tuesday (22 March) and he has since been released pending further enquiries.

"I'd like to appeal again for anyone who may have seen Alisha since January, or anyone who has any information at all about her disappearance, to please get in touch with police as soon as possible, as you may be able to help us find Alisha and bring some closure for her family."

 

Alisha's family are currently being supported by family liaison officers.

You can send information to us through our online portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22G11-PO1 or by calling GMPs Major Incident team on 0161 856 6777, or by using our LiveChat service on our website, www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For those heading aiming to take advantage of the lovely sunny weather with a trip to bury this morning, due to an ongoing Police Incident at Prestwich, Metrolink services have changed on the Bury Line.

Trams will operate from Bury to Whitefield, Piccadilly to Crumpsall & Altrincham to Bury will operate to Queens Road.

Tickets and passes are being accepted on bus services 59, 97, 98, 135 and 524.

You may want to plan your journey accordingly as it is unknown as to when the service will resume as normal.

Overnight resurfacing work will begin on part of Trafford Road next month as one of Salford’s biggest schemes moves another step closer to completion.

Every junction along the route is being improved to boost the capacity of the road for all users and better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists are being introduced to encourage more green travel.

Online public information sessions are being held next week so local residents and business owners can find out details of the work which will be carried out in sections during April and early May.

The sessions are being held on Tuesday 22 March at 11am and 6pm, Wednesday 23 March at 6pm and Thursday 24 March at 2pm.

Contractors Sisk also produce a newsletter which people can sign up to. Anyone wanting to take part in either the information sessions or receive the newsletter should email traffordroadcomms@salford.gov.uk

Phase one of the resurfacing work will involve the section from Trafford Road bridge to The Quays junction on both sides of the road. Most of the work will be carried out using overnight closures during the week, avoiding match days and other major events to minimise disruption.

Tram services will not be affected but bus diversions are being planned. Diversions for drivers will be signposted via the A56 and Regent Road.

Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning and Sustainable Development, said:

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“This takes this major project another step closer to final completion.  The Trafford Road scheme is part of the Greater Manchester-wide Bee Network programme to create the largest joined up system of walking and cycling routes in the UK.

“Our contractors are working hard to keep local residents, businesses and commuters informed and respond promptly to any comments or queries they have. We are doing all we can to try and minimise disruption and thank everyone for their patience as this huge investment scheme progresses.”

 

The road closures are as follows: Northbound means in the direction of the M602 and southbound in the direction of the A56 and Trafford Park.

Weekend working

Trafford Road northbound (towards M602) will be closed from White City roundabout to Merchants Quay from 8am Saturday 9 April to 6pm Sunday 10 April.

Southbound lane towards Trafford Park remains open.

Overnight closures

Northbound – lane towards M602; the southbound lane towards Trafford Park will remain open. Overnight closures run from 7pm to 6am.

From White City roundabout to Merchants Quay, Monday 11 April to Tuesday 12 April

From White City roundabout to The Quays Tuesday 12 April to Wednesday 13, Thursday 21 April to Friday 22 April and Friday 22 April to Saturday 23 April

Southbound – lane towards Trafford Park and the A56; the northbound lane towards the M602 will remain open. Overnight closures run from 7pm to 6am.

Trafford Road closed from the M602 roundabout to Exchange Quay, Wednesday 13 April to Thursday 14 April

Trafford Road closed from the M602 roundabout to Colgate Lane, Tuesday 19 April to Wednesday 20 April

Trafford Road closed from the M602 roundabout to the White City roundabout Wednesday 20 April to Thursday 21 April,  Monday 25 April to Tuesday 26 April and again overnight Tuesday 26 April to Wednesday 27 April.

Junction closures

No entry to The Quays, Waterfront Quay and Furness Quay from Trafford Road in both directions Friday 6 May to Saturday 7 May and Wednesday 11 May to Thursday 12 May.

The Government will remove the remaining restrictions on international travel for all passengers ahead of the Easter Holidays, the Transport Secretary announced today (Monday, 14 March).

As one of the first major economies to remove all its remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions, this is a landmark moment for passengers and the travel and aviation sector.

From 4am Friday 18 March, all COVID-19 travel restrictions will be lifted, including the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) for arrivals into UK, as well as all tests for passengers who do not qualify as vaccinated. This change therefore removes the need for unvaccinated passengers to take a pre-departure test and a Day 2 post arrival test.

This step reflects the decisions taken by the Government, as set out in the Living with COVID-19 plan, and the success of the UK’s vaccine and booster rollout, with 86% of the population having received a second dose, and 67% of the population with a booster or third dose.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: 

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“The UK is leading the world in removing all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions, and today’s announcement is a testament to the hard work everyone in this country has put in place to roll out the vaccine and protect each other. 

“I said we wouldn’t keep travel measures in place for any longer than necessary, which we’re delivering on today - providing more welcome news and greater freedom for travellers ahead of the Easter holidays.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the travel sector and partners around the world to keep international travel moving.”

 

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said:

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“As we learn to live with Covid, we’re taking further steps to open up international travel once again ahead of the Easter holidays.

“We will continue monitoring and tracking potential new variants, and keep a reserve of measures which can be rapidly deployed if needed to keep us safe.

“We can remove these final restrictions thanks to the incredible success of our vaccination programme which has seen more than 8 out of 10 adults across the UK boosted."

 

To ensure the protection of public health the Government will maintain a range of contingency measures in reserve, which, should the need arise, would enable it to take swift and proportionate action to delay any future harmful variants of COVID-19 entering the UK.

In future, the Government’s default approach will be to use the least stringent measures, if appropriate, to minimise the impact on travel as far as possible – given the high personal, economic and international costs border measures can have – and the contingency measures will only be implemented in extreme circumstances.   

Given the current state of the pandemic and a move towards global travel volumes returning to normal, the remaining managed hotel quarantine capacity will be fully stood down from the end of March.

Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK said:

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“Today’s announcement sends a clear message to the world – the UK travel sector is back. With travellers returning to the UK no longer burdened by unnecessary forms and testing requirements, we can now look forward to the return to pre-Covid normality throughout the travel experience. We’re grateful for the timing of the announcement as we prepare to welcome back passengers this Easter and Summer, for which we know there is huge pent-up demand, and for the UK’s leadership in being the first major aviation market to remove all remaining restrictions. The time to return to the skies - to enjoy all that makes aviation and international travel great, for families and businesses - is now.”

Karen Dee, Chief Executive of Airport Operators Association said:

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“A return to restriction-free travel is good news for passengers and should allow for aviation to take significant steps towards recovery. People should feel encouraged to book their long-awaited holidays, trips to see relatives and friends abroad they haven’t seen for a long time and travel to rekindle business ties with other countries.”

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: 

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“Two years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, today’s announcement marks international travel finally returning to normal. The removal of passenger locator forms and testing regimes means that customers can at long last enjoy hassle-free travel, just like they did before the pandemic. With Easter just around the corner and Summer fast approaching, this announcement comes at the perfect time. Since restrictions started to be eased at the beginning of the year, we have experienced strong, sustained demand and the complete removal of forms and requirements will boost that demand even further.”

Additionally, the UKHSA will continue to closely monitor the prevalence and spread of harmful variants and keep international data under review.

While there will be no border health measures on arrival in the UK from 18 March, other countries are at different stages in the pandemic and many still require passengers to comply with requirements.

Travellers should continue to check GOV.UK travel guidance including Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice to keep up to date with other countries’ entry requirements.

Passengers are also encouraged to carefully check booking conditions for flexibility in amending bookings prior to buying tickets. People will continue to be able to access their vaccine and recovery records through the NHS COVID Pass to use when travelling overseas.

Train operator Northern and infrastructure manager Network Rail have launched an appeal for information after a group of vandals threw a log into the path of an oncoming train en-route between Bolton & Manchester.

The incident occurred just before 6:30pm on 14 March 2022 on the Manchester side of the Farnworth Tunnel.

The log smashed one of the train’s windows and set off a brief fire on the service that was carrying more than 100 passengers at the time.

Fortunately no one was hurt and everyone was safely evacuated but the outcome could have been far worse. The train was moved away from the incident site last night to allow engineers to repair the damaged infrastructure.

More than 31 other services were delayed because of the vandalism. The incident is being investigated by the British Transport Police.

Chris Jackson, Regional Director for Northern, said:

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“This was totally reckless behaviour by mindless individuals who gave no thought for other people’s safety.

“The consequences of a log hitting a fast-moving train are potentially devastating and I urge anyone with information as to the identities of those responsible to contact British Transport Police.”

 

In addition to the damaged train, the perpetrators damaged more than 200 metres of the 25kV overhead lines that power the trains and the structures and equipment that support them. Network Rail engineers spent the night working to repair the damage, which they have successfully done so that trains are now running through the area again.

However, Network Rail said there would be knock-on effects throughout the day, urging passengers using the line between Manchester and Bolton to check the latest travel information.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West Route Director, said:

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“I’m disgusted by this dangerous and reckless act of vandalism. The people responsible put the safety of our passengers and colleagues at risk. They have caused thousands of pounds of damage to the railway infrastructure and significantly disrupted services travelling between Manchester and Bolton.

“We are working closely with the British Transport Police to catch the culprits. I’d urge anyone with any information to contact them and make a report.”

 

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. People can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

GM Mayor Andy Burnham will today, Monday 14 March, announce a series of major steps to move Greater Manchester towards a London-style public transport system with London-level bus fares.

After a legal challenge brought by bus operators against the city-region’s bus franchising plans was dismissed, the Mayor is set to announce that under a franchised bus network adult single journeys would cost no more than £2, and single child journeys no more than £1. Currently, there are many different adult single bus fares, some costing as much as £4.

The move will be the first step towards the Greater Manchester public being able to access a more affordable public transport network.

During a major event to outline a new era for Greater Manchester – held at Escape to Freight Island in front of the city-region’s key business, political and civic leaders – the Mayor is also expected to set out a revised timetable for the introduction of bus franchising, which will see:

Regulated buses first introduced in Bolton and Wigan as well as parts of Salford and west Manchester from next autumn (2023)

Bury, Rochdale, Oldham and areas of north Manchester to follow in Spring 2024

Final tranche covering Stockport, Trafford, Tameside, south Manchester and remaining parts of Salford to run by end of 2024

The Mayor will today announce that Greater Manchester is moving to the next important stage of franchising bus services. Invitations to negotiate will be issued shortly to prospective providers of bus services in Bolton and Wigan, as well as in parts of Salford and west Manchester.

The levels of interest have been extremely strong, bringing a range of organisations from local SMEs through to large bus operators with operational experience throughout the UK, including London, and in some cases internationally.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: 

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“The court ruling means we now have the green light to deliver on our plans to deliver a London-style public transport system.

“We will make travelling by public transport more appealing, easier and, significantly, put our people before profits.

“Government has signalled its intention to support our ambitions many times over and we now need them to work in partnership with us, to help us turn our shared vision into a reality.”

 

Transformed bus services is a key pillar of the Bee Network vision, which aims to provide real public transport and active travel choices for all; promote sustainable travel behavioural change through integrated city-region planning; support the electrification of vehicles and public transport fleets; promotes levelling up through the provision of sustainable transport connectivity to key growth locations and the provision of affordable public transport options for all our communities.

Greater Manchester will have a new Transport Commissioner, with former Transport for London (TfL) Managing Director of Customers, Communication and Technology, Vernon Everitt, set to take a leading role in the delivery of the Bee Network.

The Mayor is also set to announce a new Active Travel Commissioner at today’s New Era event.

Vernon Everitt, the Mayor’s new Transport Commissioner, said: 

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“It is a privilege to be given the responsibility to help write the next chapter of Greater Manchester’s ambitious and truly transformational transport story. The Bee Network vision sets out a compelling plan for better transport and I will bring all my experience to the table to ensure we deliver it.

“Our integrated transport network will unlock access to opportunity and public services, and drive reduced carbon emissions and improved wellbeing, benefitting everyone who lives, works or visits here. I look forward to working with the mayor, councils, transport operators and people across Greater Manchester to deliver a world class public transport system.”

 

The Greater Manchester Independent Prosperity Review found that parts of Greater Manchester with lower productivity, pay and living standards need infrastructure that supports both access to jobs in the centre of the city-region and improved local job opportunities.

Improving public transport connectivity into and between Greater Manchester’s major centres and other growth locations is a key part of proposals contained within the Bee Network vision – which will, subject to agreement with government, be supported by an initial £1.2bn five-year programme of investment, with £438m worth of investment to improve buses, routes and services, including:

£205m for new electric buses and infrastructure, supporting a move to a cleaner, greener city-region;

£202m to improve bus services, with new quality bus lanes, corridors, and junctions to improve connectivity between our towns and cities; and

£30m to improve bus passenger information, fares and ticketing

Andy Burnham added: 

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“I’m delighted to welcome Vernon onboard, as we deliver a new era of London-style transport for Greater Manchester. He is a great signing for this city-region. Our new Transport Commissioner spent 14 years as a Managing Director at Transport for London, leading on London’s integration of public transport through simple and intuitive fares, ticketing and customer information.

“In Greater Manchester we are leading the way and developing a blueprint for other city-regions to follow when it comes to improving intra-city transport and connectivity between our villages, towns and cities. People need to be able to get to where they want to go without having to spend as much as £4 on a single trip. My ambition is that soon here in Greater Manchester it will be simpler, cheaper and more reliable to get around on public transport.”

 

The annual closure of the Mancunian Way will be rescheduled to the weekend of Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 March it has been announced.  

The closure will be in place from 5am on the Saturday morning through to 7pm on the Sunday evening.  

The weekend of the 19 and 20 March was originally considered for the maintenance closure but was ruled out as City were due to play at home. However, following the change of fixtures this weekend now offers the least disruption to road users and the Mancunian Way will be open to vehicles this coming weekend, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 March.  

The closure will allow essential work to take place to keep the bridge safe and will be in place from Chester Road roundabout through to Pin Mill Brow.  

The work will include safety inspections, road repairs, lighting inspections, street sweeping, drainage clearance, and general work to improve any defects. The overall integrity of the structure will also be assessed.  

Signed diversions will be in place for the duration of the closure, however it's important to plan ahead and familiarise yourself with the recommended diversion routes. 

For journeys through the city centre, especially for west to east and east to west trips, it is recommended that motorists use the M60.  

Keep up with the latest travel advice around this closure 

Cllr Tracey Rawlins, Manchester City Council’s executive member for environment, said:

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“Apologies if the change in dates to close the Mancunian Way for its annual maintenance weekend has impacted anyone’s weekend plans. Tens of thousands of cars use the bridge each day, so these works are vital to ensure the safety of the road – but we try to choose an appropriate weekend to undertake the maintenance work to limit congestion caused by the closure.

“The weekend coming was originally chosen as it presented the least amount of disruption on our roads, but it is right that we can be flexible to changing circumstances. Given the postponement of the Man City game against Brighton next weekend (19 March) it is sensible to reschedule our maintenance works to limit the impact on road users.”