Ambitious new plans for a Metrolink expansion and a series of bus network improvements have been unveiled in a bid to tackle growing congestion on Salford's roads.
Focus on Key Routes and Future Growth
The scheme, developed by Salford City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), aims to make bus services more frequent and reliable. The initial focus will be on enhancing the busy Route 50 service, which runs from East Didsbury through central Manchester into Salford.
This initiative comes as the city prepares for significant regeneration, with thousands of new homes planned for areas like Salford Crescent and Salford Quays. The proposed transport upgrades are seen as vital to support this growth and manage future demand.
Journey Time Savings and Infrastructure Upgrades
A council report predicts the changes could deliver substantial time savings. It highlights that southbound Route 50 services during the morning peak could see journey times improve by 4.3 minutes, a reduction of 10 percent for the busiest passenger flows.
The specific works proposed include:
- Creating a new bus gate on South Langworthy Road to give priority to buses and trams.
- Upgrading bus stops along the entire corridor for better accessibility, comfort, and safety.
- Making changes to key junctions at Broadway, Eccles New Road, Langworthy Road, and Liverpool Street to cut delays.
- Introducing new crossings and protected cycle tracks.
These bus improvements are designed to complement the longer-term ambition to extend the Metrolink tram system from MediaCityUK to Salford Crescent.
Funding and Next Steps for Public Engagement
Up to £1.8 million has been allocated from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement Fund to support the initial development of the project.
Councillors met at Salford Town Hall on December 12 to approve a second phase of public engagement on the proposals. The first consultation concluded in 2023.
A TfGM spokesperson stated the Salford Quays-Crescent scheme is part of wider efforts to deliver improved rapid transit, including tram and tram-train services, across Greater Manchester. A strategic assessment is currently underway to develop a formal business case.
A Salford City Council spokesperson encouraged residents to participate in the upcoming consultation, stating feedback will be used to shape the final proposals before a business case is submitted.
The council report concluded that by making the Bee Network more attractive, the scheme will help ease congestion for all road users, reduce air pollution, and give more people the freedom to travel safely and affordably.
