Report by Mark Clements, Group Engineer, Salford City Council and Committee Member, CIHT North West

Project Manager, Matt Mollart, introduced attendees to the scheme that was officially opened last year and is proving to be extremely well used. Highly commended at the CIHT's North West Awards evening, the scheme has seen a significant increase in users of what was already, in the main, a pedestrian route following the alignment of an historic train line. 

The project sought to widen narrow pathways, introduce lighting and improve surfacing and better facilitate cycle use. Achieving a width of 3.5m, where possible, and a porous resin-bound material, utilising 50% recycled tyres otherwise bound for landfill, the path itself is much more inviting for users on foot or bicycle, with ample shared space. Modern motion sensor lighting sees the brightness reduced to a minimum during late evenings when nobody is present but on detection is increased adjacent and immediately preceding the user. This efficient use of energy has a significant cost saving benefit to the Local Authority when compared to more traditional lighting methods.

Placemaking was also a key consideration in the design, with the brief to introduce locations where users would want to dwell, rather than simply pass through. Artwork, structures, storyboards and benches have been included at spot locations to encourage this.

Further reading: Swinton Greenway