RUSH-hour tailbacks for traffic turning right onto Edge Lane from the A56 could be set to become a thing of the past.

As part of the first phase of a regeneration plan for Stretford town centre, Trafford Council will be focussing on improving the A56/Edge Lane Gateway.

Plans include adding an additional right turn lane from A56 onto Edge Lane, which will be created by removing the existing brick planters.

This stretch of Chester Road is often congested, as cars form a single-lane queue to turn right at the crossroads.

The A56/Edge Lane Gateway improvements also include new pedestrian crossings to replace three of the existing subways, enhancing the public realm using the ‘Stretford Material Palette’, installing signature lighting and an art work feature, and a new landscaped area adjacent to Stretford Public Hall.

This phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2017.

Cllr Michael Young, executive councillor for Economic Growth and Planning, said: “Significant progress is being made in the successful regeneration of the town centre, which is a key priority for Trafford Council.

“The implementation of the proposed public realm improvements has the potential to act as a significant catalyst for the wider regeneration of Stretford providing an enhanced environment that supports future investment in the town centre.”

Trafford Council carried out a public consultation on the initial plans for Stretford town centre between September 25 and October 16 last year and 332 responses were received.

Council officers will now start working with contractors to design how the town centre will look, taking into account these consultation responses, and will consult residents further as the design work progresses.

Cllr Michael Young, who is also chair of the Stretford Working Group and Stretford Panel, said: “It is clear from the public consultation that local people are passionate about the future of Stretford and I would like to thank everyone who gave us their views last year.”

For more information on the regeneration project visit trafford.gov.uk/stretfordpublicrealmconsultation