Safer commutes for Manchester as major Wilmslow Road junction redesign begins

Manchester motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are preparing for a significant reconfiguration of the South Manchester road network as work begins on a major safety-led redesign. The project focuses on the intersection of Wilmslow Road with Ladybarn Road and Sherwood Street, a critical junction that serves as a primary north-south artery into the city and a vital east-west link between southern neighbourhoods.

Construction is scheduled to commence on Monday, May 18, 2026. The initiative follows a 2022 assessment that identified this specific stretch of road as a priority for infrastructure investment. The redesign aims to address long-standing safety issues at a location characterized by high volumes of diverse traffic, including heavy footfall and significant cycling activity.

Historical safety concerns at the Wilmslow Road junction

The decision to overhaul the junction layout is rooted in accident data collected over a five-year period. Between 2018 and 2023, police records identified 15 collisions at this specific intersection. Two of these incidents were classified as serious, highlighting the risks faced by vulnerable road users navigating the current configuration.

Wilmslow Road is one of the busiest corridors in South Manchester, acting as a gateway for commuters and students alike. The complexity of the existing layout, combined with the volume of vehicles and cyclists, has frequently led to conflicts. Local residents have consistently advocated for improvements that prioritize the safety of those moving through the area on foot or by bike.

Scheduled changes to traffic flow and pedestrian access

The redesign involves a partial reconstruction of the junction to create a more intuitive and safer environment. One of the most significant changes for motorists is the new prohibition of driving on Sherwood Street. This restriction will apply to the section between Wilmslow Road and Bowland Drive, though cyclists will remain exempt from the ban, effectively creating a filtered route for active travel.

Pedestrians will see the installation of three dedicated crossing points, designed to provide safer intervals for crossing the busy carriageways. For cyclists, the plans include new crossing points and the installation of rumble strips at pedestrian crossings to manage speeds and awareness. The project also necessitates the relocation of the existing loading bay on Ladybarn Road to accommodate the new layout, alongside updated signage and road markings throughout the area.

Construction timeline and project phases

The transformation of the junction will be executed in four distinct stages to manage the impact on local traffic. The initial phase focuses on the heavy civil engineering tasks required to prepare the site for its new configuration.

Work is expected to continue for approximately eight months. During this time, residents and commuters should anticipate localized diversions and potential delays as the four phases of construction progress through the summer and autumn months.

Long-term goals for South Manchester transport safety

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport, noted that the scheme is a direct response to feedback from the community. According to Rawlins, residents have frequently expressed a desire for road networks that make it easier and safer to navigate their own neighbourhoods.

The upgrades are part of a broader strategy to encourage walking and cycling across the city by removing physical barriers and safety risks. By creating a more seamless route for the existing cycling lanes and providing protected crossing points, the council aims to reduce the likelihood of future collisions. The project represents a localized step toward the city’s wider ambition of becoming a place where active travel is the natural choice for short and medium-distance journeys. Work will remain ongoing at the site until the final road markings and signage are completed in early 2027.

Source: Manchester City Council