Fallowfield Loop Closure: 10 March 2025 to 19 March 2025
The Fallowfield Loop will be closed between 10 March 2025 to 19 March 2025 between Athol Road and Sherwood Street, including evenings and weekends, for urgent tree works.
Closure points will be at Yew Tree Road and Bethnall Drive. There will be no through route between Athol Road and Sherwood Street. There will be no access on to the Fallowfield Loop from Bethnal Drive. Heavy vehicles will be using the route around Athol Road.
Please plan your journey accordingly.
What we're doing
We are removing some of the poplar species on the Fallowfield Loop this is the first stage of a long-term project that will last several years to work on these trees. Sustrans commissioned a tree survey to look at the poplars between Athol Road and Yew Tree Road as we knew that they were coming to the end of their lives. We will be doing various works on the trees including removal and pollarding.
Why we need to do this
The trees are reaching the end of their lives and in recent years we have had to do more and more emergency works on them to keep them safe.
Replanting
The current works are a small area near Yew Tree Road. We will be allowing natural regeneration in this area and will mange it to allow this. If this has not established by 2030 we will plant.
Ecological surveys
An ecology survey has been done for this site. In addition a bird nesting survey will be carried out the morning before the works start. We have a Forestry Commission felling licence for this work.
No diversion suitable to signpost
Unfortunately there is no diversion that would be suitable for us to sign. The size of the trees means that our contractors have large machinery on site that has to stay on site at night and weekends.
The Fallowfield Loop is an attractive, largely traffic-free walking and cycling route which follows a former railway line.
The route is a classic urban railway path, ideal for families and new cyclists who need to build up their confidence away from road traffic.
It forms a green corridor running about four kilometres south of the city centre, linking parks and open spaces.
The Loop connects Chorlton-cum-Hardy to Fairfield station and includes many reminders of its past as a railway line.
The route begins at St Werburgh’s Metrolink Stop in fashionable Chorlton-cum-Hardy before travelling through the thriving suburb of Levenshulme, past Debdale Park and Gorton reservoirs before ending up to Fairfield station.
The Loop is part of National Cycle Network Route 60, which uses the in-filled Stockport Branch Canal and sections of towpath along the Ashton Canal to take you up to the Velodrome and the Manchester City football ground.
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Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.