Deansgate and Whitworth Street West Active Travel
We're transforming the city centre into a cleaner, safer, and more attractive area. We aim for 90% of peak morning trips to the city centre to be by foot, bike, or public transport. This is part of the City Centre Transport Strategy.
We're making sure the right tram, rail, and bus connections are set up. These will link to great routes for walking, cycling, and wheelchair access. We’ve got Active Travel Funding. We’re working with Salford City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester to plan Deansgate’s future.
Our ambitious plans focus on active travel, public space, and public transport. Deansgate will evolve from a traditional vehicle route to a vibrant place to visit and enjoy.
Recent Improvements
The walking and cycling upgrades on Deansgate and Whitworth Street West are now done. This makes it safer and easier for pedestrians and cyclists. Key changes include:
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Increased footway space for pedestrians.
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Segregated cycle lanes with green surfacing at junctions.
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Loading bays on both sides of Deansgate (south of Quay Street) and the west side of Deansgate (between St John Street and Camp Street).
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More Blue Badge parking on the west side of Deansgate (between Camp Street and Tonman Street).
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Improved junction for pedestrians and cyclists at Deansgate and Liverpool Road.
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Larger buildout between Great Jackson Street and Old Deansgate on Chester Road, with a puffin crossing and a zebra crossing at the cycle tracks.
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Modified junction at Great Jackson Street and Chester Road to slow down vehicles, with a zebra crossing and Belisha beacons.
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Rain Garden sustainable urban drainage systems on Whitworth Street West, Old Deansgate, and Chester Road to capture and filter excess surface water.
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More space for taxis.
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New cycle lanes on Whitworth Street West, merging into existing lanes.
These upgrades link to the current infrastructure on the northern part of Deansgate. This stretch is between Quay Street/Peter Street and Blackfriars. They also connect to the new Chorlton Cycleway. Together, they form a fully separated cycle route from south Manchester to the city centre, covering more than 4 miles (6.5 km).
Future Vision
Our long-term vision for Deansgate is to make it a great place to visit and work, ensuring it is green, healthy, and safe. These latest changes are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance Deansgate.