Flowerpot Junction Improvement, Macclesfield

We are planning to make improvements to the Flowerpot junction in Macclesfield.

The improvements will increase capacity at the junction to ease existing levels of congestion and in anticipation of planned developments around the town.

The need to make improvements to the Flowerpot junction was first identified in 2014 as part of studies for the Macclesfield Movement Strategy, which highlighted a number of highways improvements required around the town.

The Proposals

The proposed improvements will introduce:

• A new dedicated right turn lane for vehicles turning out of Ivy Lane into Congleton Road.
• A new dedicated left turn lane for vehicles turning out of Park Lane into Congleton Road.
• A new dedicated left turn lane for vehicles turning out of Oxford Road into Park Lane.

The new dedicated lanes will separate vehicles making these manoeuvres from those heading straight across the junction or making the opposite turn, which will provide the opportunity for more vehicles to travel through the junction during each cycle of the lights. The new lanes will also provide additional queuing space on approach to the junction.

As part of the works, we are proposing to reconfigure the layout of the existing pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities at the junction. We are intending to install signal-controlled Toucan crossings (for pedestrians and cyclists) on the Ivy Lane and Congleton Road arms of the junction to maintain and provide a more direct connection between the existing shared pedestrian/cycle path along the northern side of Ivy Lane and the shared pedestrian/cycle path running through the open space to the south east corner of the junction. We will also be widening the footpath along the south side of Park Lane leading onto Congleton Road. The crossing facilities on Oxford Road and Park Lane are proposed as signal-controlled Puffin crossings (for pedestrians only), with a new island on the corner of Oxford Road and Park Lane. 

What happens next

In July 2021 we held a public engagement exercise to seek feedback on our proposals. The Flowerpot Junction Improvement Engagement and Summary of Feedback Report (PDF, 1.17MB) documents the feedback we received. We are now considering this feedback and deciding if we can make any changes to the proposals as we finalise the design.

Questions you may have

What improvements are being made for pedestrians and cyclists?

The Ivy Lane and Congleton Road crossings will be upgraded to Toucan crossings (i.e. for pedestrians and cyclists) so there is a more direct route for cyclists between the shared footway along the north side of Ivy Lane and the shared paths through the open space. Access to the open space will be improved by removing the gates onto Congleton Road and Park Lane.

The existing narrow footway around the corner from Congleton Road to Park Lane will be replaced by a new 3 metre wide path. The footway around the corner of Ivy Lane and Congleton Road (outside the Flower Pot pub) will also be widened to 3 metres between the Toucan crossings.

The crossing points on Oxford Road and Park Lane will become Puffin crossings with a new traffic island on the corner of Oxford Road and Park Lane to minimise the distance that has to be crossed in one go.

We are also looking into the possibility of adding advanced stop lines at the junction to allow on-road cyclists to wait at the lights ahead of queuing vehicles. 

What is being done to improve safety at the junction?

The proposed improvements will include a new traffic signal control system, which will use modern traffic signals technology to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. This will also include a change to the phasing of the traffic signals cycle to align with current best practice. New signs, road markings and pedestrian/cyclist crossings facilities will be installed at the junction. The junction will also be resurfaced.

A Road Safety Audit has been completed on the proposed design and a further Road Safety Audit will be undertaken when construction works are complete to ensure the new junction is operating safely. 

There are lots of schools and a college in the area with children/students crossing the road at this junction. Will there be improvements for them to cross?

The changes we are making to the pedestrian and cycle facilities at the junction will include improved crossings and widen footways as well as improved links to the open space on the south-east corner of the junction for students using that route to/from their school or college.

We will be putting measures in place during construction to ensure everyone can still cross the road and navigate through the junction safely whilst works are undertaken.

We will also be engaging with local schools to make them aware of the proposed improvement works and seek their feedback. 

Can the speed limit be reduced?

Any change to speed limits must be in accordance with the Council’s Speed Management Strategy. This improvement project will retain the existing 30mph speed limit. 

Will the Council be applying for planning approval for the improvements?

These highways improvements are exempt from planning permission under Part 9 of the General Permitted Development Order “Development relating to roads” Class A – development by highway authorities, however planning permission may be required for proposed works in the open space to the south east corner of the junction. Should planning permission be required for these works, the Council will submit a planning application later this year. 

When will construction works be starting?

The start date is subject to several matters being resolved first. We are currently aiming for construction to start in 2026.

My house/business is located next to the junction. Will the Council be taking land from my property/premises?

The Council has already been in contact with adjacent landowners for land the Council is looking to purchase, and we are continuing to negotiate with these landowners to secure the land needed. 

I use this junction regularly. Will the road be closed during the works? Will I still be able to get access?

The exact details of traffic management arrangements, including any road closures, has not yet been finalised. Any road closures will include fully signed diversion routes using suitable roads of the same or higher classification (i.e. A or B roads). Access to properties and businesses will be maintained, however temporary access arrangements may be required whilst certain works are undertaken. We will update this webpage as new information becomes available, including details of the Traffic Management arrangements. 

I live/work nearby. Will there be a lot of noise/vibration, etc. during the works?

The Council’s contractors will work in accordance with industry best practice for control of noise and vibration, including British Standard BS 5228 Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites.

A public liaison officer will be on site during the construction stage. Their contact details will be made available in advance of works starting so any specific concerns can be raised directly to them.

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