Smithy Brook Road / Warrington Road
The junction improvement scheme at Smithy Brook Road in Wigan aimed to improve traffic capacity on the network, as well as proving a much needed improvement of facilities for people travelling on foot and by bike, enhancing connectivity and maintaining road safety for all users.
Overview- Bethell were engaged by Wigan Council following a successful competitive tender process to deliver improved vehicle, cycling, and walking facilities at the bottom of Smithy Brook Road. This scheme is part of a package of works designed to make cycling and walking a more desirable mode of transportation for shorter journeys throughout the Wigan borough. Smithy Brook Road, along with two other concurrent schemes at Victoria Street and Riverway, were designed to make cycling and walking more accessible, promoting greater air quality and wellbeing in the area.
Scope of works- Bethell delivered a robust package of works including:
- Street lighting infrastructure
- 1900m kerbs
- 1650m2 footway
- 427m2 green multicolour tarmac
- 5900m2 road surfacing
- Addition new drainage and gulleys
- Road signs
- Street lighting
These works involved:
- Reducing the central refuge island to create additional traffic lanes in both directions on the A49 Warrington Road.
- Creating an additional left turn lane on the A49 Warrington Road.
- Delivering two-way segregated cycle facilities to aid connectivity and maintain road safety for cyclists.
- Improving pedestrian and cycling facilities at the junction by installing toucan crossings.
- Creating a new walking and cycling connection to Duke Street.
- Installing two new permanent bus stops along the route on Smithy Brook Road.
Social value- As part of our Social Value commitments on the Smithy Brook Road Junction, we visited St James’ Catholic School in Orrell, Wigan to carry out improvement works with the school car park. Through this scheme we also become Bronze Patrons of the Wigan Youth Zone and regularly liaise with the Head of Fundraising. Becoming a patron allows us to not only provide financial support which will help to keep the centre running, but we have also committed to supporting the enhancement of employability skills through CV writing guidance, completing application forms and mentoring. We liaised with the Employability and Enterprise Coordinator for Wigan Youth Zone, with whom we look forward to setting up workshops, with a focus on supporting motivated young people, to help them in their first steps to working life. During the project, we also provided support towards The Brick, a local homless charity, by providing a substantial donation of food to their food-bank.
Conclusion- The completed works will aim to improve traffic capacity on the network, in addition to providing the area with improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, to enhance connectivity and maintain road safety for all users. The segregated cycling infrastructure will improve safety for cyclists by completely separating them from motorist traffic, resulting in safer and less intimidating cycling journeys throughout the Wigan area.