Salford Crescent to MediaCityUK

Better transport is central to a growing Greater Manchester, where businesses can thrive and people can enjoy healthy, happy lives.

Through the Bee Network, we’re building a joined-up transport system that connects people with places and opportunities.

We’re working to improve all your journeys, no matter how you travel: by road, bus, tram, train, walking, wheeling and cycling.

This includes a major scheme to improve the 50-bus route between Salford Crescent railway station and MediaCityUK via Pendleton and Langworthy.

This is a busy route connecting two key locations. They are Salford’s biggest hubs for media and technology, learning and employment with plans for further development and growth. The plans will also better connect areas along the corridor and improve integration between buses, trams and trains.

This will see major investment to improve bus stops, junctions, public spaces, passenger access and walking, wheeling and cycling routes.

What we’re doing

We're working with local authorities and communities to get the right plans in place for your area.

This £23.4 million government-funded scheme is aimed at making everyday journeys safer, easier and more reliable for the thousands of people using this busy route every day.

Planned upgrades include:

A new bus only restriction on South Langworthy Road will prioritise buses and trams, improving journey times and making services more reliable. This increased reliability will help address overcrowding on buses using this corridor. Minor adjustments at the Regent Road / M602 / Trafford Road roundabout, including updated signal timings and road markings, will help manage traffic changes and keep vehicles moving smoothly.
Bus stops along the full corridor will be upgraded to improve passenger information with the introduction of Passenger Information Displays at key stops, enhanced accessibility through raising kerbs for easier boarding and alighting, installation of new shelters with seating for comfort, and improved safety by introducing safer crossing facilities nearby.
New pedestrian and cycle crossings will be introduced at key locations including MediaCityUK, Broadway Roundabout, Langworthy Road, and Liverpool Street. These will make everyday walking, wheeling and cycling journeys safer and easier.
Protected cycle tracks will be delivered along South Langworthy Road, Langworthy Road, and Liverpool Street, providing continuous, separated space for people cycling and encouraging more active travel. Protected cycle tracks ensure that all road users have their own dedicated space that is separated with a kerb or height difference.
Improved junctions at Broadway, Eccles New Road, Langworthy Road, and Liverpool Street to reduce delays, enhance safety, and better support all road users. There will be signal controlled pedestrian crossings, introduction of protected cycle tracks, updated road markings to optimise junction functionality and active travel integration through new pedestrian and cycle crossings.

It’s all part of our plans to create to a healthier, happier, more connected Greater Manchester.

How it's going to look

Take a look at some mock ups of how different parts of the scheme will look.

Image 1: Junction upgrade at Eccles New Road, Langworthy Road and South Langworthy Road

Aerial view of a large road junction with dedicated red cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings, tram tracks and multiple traffic lanes. Several buses, cars and a tram are visible, surrounded by residential buildings and trees.

Image 2: Upgraded bus stop and new crossing at Salford Quays (The Bund)

A wide pedestrian‑friendly street at Salford Quays, with people walking and cycling alongside a modern building and tram stop area, set against tall glass office buildings and sunny blue skies.

Image 3: Bus only restriction and upgraded cycle tracks on South Langworthy Road

A wide street with separate bus, cycle and walking lanes. A yellow Bee Network bus travels along the main road while people walk, cycle and use e‑scooters on the red segregated cycle and pedestrian paths. Trees and buildings line the background.

Image 4: Pedestrian and cycle crossing on Langworthy Road

A street-level view of a redesigned junction with separated cycle lanes, pedestrian crossings and traffic signals. People walk and cycle through the area, while a few cars travel along the road. Trees, houses and a small park are visible

Image 5: Upgraded bus stop at Salford Crescent railway station

View of Salford Crescent station from above, showing a busy bus stop with several people waiting on the platform. Cars are driving along the road in front, and modern buildings and trees are visible in the background

Maps of the scheme

Here are some maps showing the different proposals that make up the scheme.

A labelled map showing proposed changes to Liverpool Street at the junctions with Amersham Street and Bradden Close.

The proposed changes to Liverpool Street junctions with Amersham Street and Bradden Close on Map 1 include:

A new pedestrian and cycling crossing on Liverpool Street will connect upgraded cycle tracks with Amersham Street and Amersham Park Road, linking to Langworthy Road and closing a key gap in the active travel network.
The crossing will also provide a northern link to a proposed housing development, with plans for a new active travel path between Pendleton Centre and Liverpool Street to support residents, commuters, and visitors.

A map showing proposed walking and cycling improvements at the Liverpool Street, Athole Street and Fitzwarren Street junction in Salford

The proposed changes to Liverpool Street & Athole Street/ Fitzwarren Street Junction on Map 2 include:

The junction will be redesigned to improve safe, convenient movement for pedestrians and cyclists.
A dedicated orbital cycle track will let cyclists travel without mixing with cars, buses or pedestrians.
Signal-controlled crossings on every arm of the junction will ensure pedestrians can cross safely, separated from cyclists and vehicles.
A small amount of land beyond the highway boundary may be required to deliver safer, more accessible infrastructure and higher quality public realm improvements. Engagement with landowners and stakeholders will ensure changes are handled transparently and in the public interest.

A map showing proposed improvements along Liverpool Street between Langworthy Road and Highfield Road in Salford.

The proposed changes to Liverpool Street (Langworthy Road to Highfield Road) on Map 3 include:

Cycle tracks on Liverpool Street will be physically separated from pedestrians and cars by kerbs or level changes, replacing painted cycle lanes.
Sideroad junctions will be redesigned to prioritise walking and cycling, with narrower layouts where feasible to shorten crossings and slow turning vehicles.
Landscaping and drainage improvements will enhance the corridor’s visual appeal and create a more inviting environment for active travel.
Some trees and vegetation will be removed, but new landscaped areas with sustainable drainage will be added to manage surface water and ease pressure on the sewer system.

A map showing proposed improvements at the Liverpool Street and Langworthy Road junction in Salford.

The proposed changes to Liverpool Street and Langworthy Road junction on Map 4 include:

The junction will be redesigned to improve safe, convenient movement for pedestrians and cyclists.
A dedicated orbital cycle track will let cyclists travel without mixing with vehicles.
Signal-controlled crossings on every arm of the junction will ensure pedestrians can cross safely, separated from cyclists and vehicles.

A map showing proposed improvements at the Langworthy Road and Amersham Park Road junction in Salford.

The proposed changes to Langworthy Road and Amersham Park Road junction on Map 5 include:

New separated cycle tracks will connect Eccles New Road to a safe crossing north of the M602 bridge, physically separated from pedestrians and cars.
The new crossing north of the M602 bridge will link Langworthy Road with quieter streets such as White Street and Amersham Park Road, providing onward cycling connections towards Liverpool Street.
Cyclists will be directed to Amersham Park Road as a quieter, safer route towards proposed improvements on Liverpool Street.

A map showing proposed changes at the South Langworthy Road and Eccles New Road junction in Salford.

The proposed changes to South Langworthy Road and Eccles New Road on Map 6 include:

The junction will be redesigned to improve safe, convenient movement for pedestrians and cyclists.
A new bus only restriction on South Langworthy Road will cut general traffic, freeing space for walking and cycling facilities.
The right turn from Langworthy Road onto Eccles New Road will be removed to improve traffic flow and reduce delays.
A dedicated orbital cycle track will let cyclists travel safely without mixing with vehicles.
Signal-controlled crossings on every arm of the junction will ensure pedestrians can cross safely, separated from cyclists and vehicles.

A map of South Langworthy Road showing upgraded segregated cycle lanes, widened footways, new raised plateaus, soft landscaping, relocated crossings and new bus gates for buses, trams, cycles and taxis.

The proposed changes to the South Langworthy Road (Montford Street/ Carolina Way) on Map 7 include:

A bus only restriction between Kansas Avenue and Montford Street will reduce congestion and improve bus and tram reliability, while maintaining property access via Eccles New Road and Broadway.
Cycle tracks on South Langworthy Road will be physically separated from pedestrians, cars and trams by kerbs or level changes.
Cycle tracks will connect directly to Broadway and Eccles New Road, creating a continuous high-quality route.
Sideroad junctions will be redesigned to prioritise walking and cycling, narrowing crossings where possible while retaining wider layouts where needed for HGV access.
Landscaping will be added where feasible to enhance the corridor’s visual environment and create a more welcoming environment.

A map of South Langworthy Road showing upgraded segregated cycle lanes, widened footways, new raised plateaus, soft landscaping and upgraded bus stops between Dallas Court and Salford City College.

The proposed changes to South Langworthy Road (Dallas Court to Salford City College) on Map 8 include:

A bus only restriction between Kansas Avenue and Montford Street will reduce congestion and improve bus and tram reliability, while maintaining property access via Eccles New Road and Broadway.
Cycle tracks on South Langworthy Road will be physically separated from pedestrians, cars and trams by kerbs or level changes.
Cycle tracks will connect directly to Broadway and Eccles New Road, creating a continuous high-quality route.
Sideroad junctions will be redesigned to prioritise walking and cycling, narrowing crossings where possible while retaining wider layouts where needed for HGV access.
Landscaping will be added where feasible to enhance the corridor’s visual environment and create a more welcoming environment.

A map of South Langworthy Road and Broadway showing upgraded segregated cycle lanes, widened footways, new raised plateaus, realigned kerbline, shared footways and upgraded bus stops near the Metrolink stop.

The proposed changes to South Langworthy Road (Broadway to Dallas Court) on Map 9 include:

The junction will be redesigned to improve safe, convenient movement for pedestrians and cyclists.
A new bus only restriction on South Langworthy Road will reduce general traffic and create space for improved walking and cycling facilities. The bus only section, located between Kansas Avenue and Monford Street, is shown on Maps 7 and 8.
A dedicated orbital cycle track around the Broadway junction will let cyclists travel safely without mixing with vehicles.
Signal-controlled crossings on every arm of the Broadway junction will ensure pedestrians can cross safely, separated from cyclists and vehicles
Cycle track on South Langworthy Road will be physically separated from pedestrians, cars and trams by kerbs or level changes.
Cycle tracks will connect directly to Broadway and Eccles New Road, creating a continuous high-quality route.
Side-road junctions will be redesigned to prioritise walking and cycling, narrowing crossings where possible while accommodating HGV access.
Landscaping will be added where feasible to improve visual environment and create a more welcoming environment.

A map of Broadway roundabout showing a relocated and upgraded pedestrian crossing, a new signal‑controlled crossing, tactile paving, landscaping and a guiding low rail for pedestrian safety.

The proposed changes Broadway roundabout on Map 10 include:

A new signal-controlled pedestrian crossing will be installed on the western arm of the Broadway roundabout. This upgrade will make it easier and safer for people walking and wheeling to travel between The Quays and the surrounding residential neighbourhoods to the north.

A map of The Quays (The Bund) showing widened and improved footways, a new signal‑controlled pedestrian and cycle crossing, upgraded bus stops with raised platforms, hazard‑warning tactile paving, and redesigned footways near MediaCityUK Metrolink stop and Huron Basin.

The proposed changes to The Quays (The Bund) on Map 11 include:

A 5 metre-wide signal-controlled crossing will be installed on The Quays Road, making it safer and easier to travel between MediaCityUK and Huron Basin.
Footpaths will be widened and resurfaced to better support the high number of people walking and wheeling through the area.
Street furniture such as bins and signs will be reorganised and relocated to reduce clutter and improve accessibility.
The bus stops outside The Alchemist will be modernised with raised platforms for easier boarding and new road markings to prevent obstruction.
A new, larger shelter will be installed to better accommodate passenger numbers, based on feedback from earlier engagement.

A simplified map showing bus route 50 between Salford Crescent, Pendleton, Langworthy and Salford Quays, with bus stops, upgraded bus stops and planned improvement locations marked along the corridor.

The proposed changes to bus stops along the route of the 50-bus route include:

Enhanced accessibility through raising kerbs for easier boarding and alighting.
Improve passenger information with the introduction of Passenger Information Displays at key stops.
Installation of new shelters with seating for comfort.
Improved safety by introducing safer crossing facilities nearby.

Engagement: listening to local communities

We want to improve your streets, roads and journeys in a way that works for everyone.

The most successful schemes are developed with input from local residents, communities, businesses, organisations and road users.

We are now carrying out a second round of engagement on the outline proposals between 20 January to 22 February 2026.

We will use this feedback to identify which proposals should be prioritised within the available funding and then refine those proposals further to develop a more detailed set of plans.

Find out more about the proposals and have your say.

If you need support to complete to the survey, then please get in touch by:

emailing hello@beenetwork.com
calling phoning 0161 244 1444. The contact centre is open Monday to Friday between 7am to 8pm, and at weekends and public holidays between 8am to 8pm.

If you get in touch, you can:

Complete the survey over the phone.
Receive support for non-English speakers.
Ask for the survey in an alternative language or format.
Ask for a paper copy of the survey to be sent to an address.
Ask for a paper copy of the supplementary information to be sent to an address.
Ask for further information about the public drop-in sessions if you do not have online access.

Public drop-in sessions are planned to take place:

Tuesday 3 February 2026, 9.30am-12.30pm, Langworthy Cornerstone, 451 Liverpool St., Salford M6 5QQ.
Thursday 5 February 2026, 4.30pm-7.30pm, Salford Watersports Centre, 15 The Quays, Salford M50 3SQ.

These public drop-in sessions will allow people to speak to members of staff about the proposals 1-2-1 or in small groups.

A business drop-in session will also take place:

Thursday 5 February, 12.30pm - 2.30pm, Hot House, The Open Centre, MediaCityUK, Salford M50 2HQ

Next steps

Your feedback will be used to help us refine our proposals and create a more detailed set of plans.

Further engagement will take place on these plans once available.

Take a look at the engagement we've already done on this project:

From 11 October until 13 December 2021, we asked Greater Manchester residents and stakeholders what they wanted most from their public transport network.

We received 4,125 survey responses and had conversations with 971 people at public drop-in sessions and workshops.

Hundreds of respondents were from Salford and public drop-in sessions took place at Eccles Interchange.

82% of respondents to the survey highlighted service reliability as a priority for their public transport network. The importance of reliability and services between town centres were regularly raised in our conversations and in survey responses.

We believe that improvements on roads to help buses travel more easily can lead to shorter bus journey times and the more reliable services that people in Greater Manchester want from their public transport network.

In Winter 2023, we carried out a first round of engagement and asked for feedback on the existing 50 bus service and how both the service and the corridor between Salford and MediaCityUK could be improved.

We have used the feedback to develop draft proposals now being shared as part of this latest engagement exercise. Please see below how your feedback has influenced the proposals.

127 people in total responded to the survey.

Among respondents, 36% travelled between Salford Crescent and MediaCityUK at least once a week, 23% made the trip daily, 17% travelled between once a week and once a month, and 20% did so less than once a month.

43% of respondents had travelled the route in the past for commuting to a regular place of work, 42% for recreation or leisure, and 32% for shopping.

Most people told us that they would like to see bus services in the area improved, and safer cycling routes to be created.

How we are responding to key feedback in our proposals is set out below.

A more frequent and reliable service

You said:

46% of respondents said they wanted the service to be faster
73% of respondents said they wanted a more reliable service to support them to reach their journey on time.

We’re proposing:

A new bus only restriction on South Langworthy Road will give priority to buses and trams, helping to improve journey times and make public transport more reliable.

Better information for customers

You said:

22% of respondents asked for real-time travel information at stops and on buses, with LED screens preferred for accessibility.

We’re proposing:

As part of the delivery of the Bee Network we will provide real time information with audio visual announcements on all our buses by 2026.
As part of wider bus stop upgrades, selected stops along the corridor will be equipped with realtime information displays.

Better bus stops and buses

You said:

40% of respondents asked for improvements to bus stops, particularly at MediaCityUK and Salford Crescent Rail Station.

We’re proposing:

Bus stop upgrades along the full route to improve accessibility, comfort, and safety for all passengers.

Better walking, cycling and wheeling routes

You said:

51% of respondents asked for less cluttered pavements and improved crossing facilities.
59% of respondents asked for improved cycling infrastructure including safer cycle lanes, better surfaces and more cycle parking.

We’re proposing:

New pedestrian and cycle crossings at key locations including MediaCityUK, Broadway Roundabout, Langworthy Road, and Liverpool Street to make everyday journeys safer and easier
Protected cycle tracks added along Liverpool St and Langworthy Rd to link up with the existing facilities on South Langworthy Road, providing continuous, separated space for people cycling
Junctions at Broadway, Eccles New Road, Langworthy Road, and Liverpool Street will be improved to enhance safety and better support all road users.

Frequently asked questions

The Salford Crescent and MediaCityUK areas are undergoing major transformation through two ambitious regeneration programmes that will reshape how people live, work, and travel across the city. 

Around Salford Crescent, a £2.5 billion investment led by Salford City Council, the University of Salford, and The English Cities Fund is revitalising 240 acres of land. This includes new homes, upgraded public spaces, improved walking and cycling routes, and better transport connections. Key developments such as Adelphi Village and enhancements to Salford Crescent Station will support local jobs, attract visitors, and create a more vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood. 

At MediaCityUK and Salford Quays, a separate regeneration framework will deliver over 3,000 new homes, 75,000 square metres of commercial space, and significant public realm improvements across 23 hectares. Inspired by world-class waterfronts, the plans include new green spaces, a pedestrian bridge linking MediaCityUK to The Lowry, and better access to leisure, retail, and employment opportunities. 

Together, these developments will strengthen the corridor between Salford Crescent and MediaCityUK, supporting sustainable travel, boosting the local economy, and creating a more connected, welcoming Salford for residents, workers, students, and visitors. 

Over the past 15 years, Salford has also invested heavily in east–west transport corridors like Chapel Street, The Crescent, and the A580 Guided Busway, boosting bus use, cutting emissions, and supporting regeneration. Now, there’s a recognised need to improve north–south connections, especially between The Crescent and MediaCityUK.

This project builds on:

Recent initiatives like the E-Scooter trial, GM Bike Hire, Cross Lane and Trafford Road upgrades, and the third platform at Salford Crescent Station.
Future ambitions, including Metrolink expansion from MediaCityUK to The Crescent and integration into the Bee Network, making Salford Crescent a key interchange for sustainable journeys.

Improving this corridor will strengthen the link between Salford Crescent Station and MediaCityUK, one of Greater Manchester’s most important destinations for: 

Employment: Home to the BBC, ITV, and hundreds of creative, digital, and tech companies.
Education: Including the University of Salford’s MediaCityUK campus.
Leisure: With restaurants, shops, galleries, and waterside attractions.

We’re investing in this route for a few different reasons:

Feedback from surveys, engagement activities, and conversations with local people consistently highlights that public transport needs to be more reliable.
Making bus journeys faster and reducing delays is essential for improving reliability. When services run on time, they can better meet demand and help prevent overcrowding.
Research shows that faster bus journeys lead to higher customer satisfaction and increased use. For example, on the Leigh–Salford–Manchester guided busway, a 27% improvement in journey speeds played a significant role in boosting passenger satisfaction and growing annual passenger numbers from around 2.1 million in 2016/17 to over 3 million in 2018/19.

The proposals aim to benefit the local economy in our high streets by:

Improving access to local shops, businesses, and community facilities by providing better bus, walking, cycling, and wheeling options, while maintaining existing access for those who need it.
Encouraging more people to visit high streets, helping to increase footfall and support spending in local shops and businesses.
Making it easier for people to reach jobs on high streets, giving businesses access to a wider pool of workers.

TfGM and the local councils’ improvements to active travel and bus connectivity on the Oxford Road Corridor, and in Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley have been linked to an increase in local business performance.

Additionally, a recent report from the Confederation of Passenger Transport also states that:

Within Great Britain:

Every £1 the government invests in better bus services and bus priority measures can generate around £4.55 in wider benefits, including economic growth, less traffic and pollution, better access to jobs, and improved health.
Bus passengers play a major role in supporting local economies. Around £1 in every £10 spent on the Great Britain high street, nearly £40 billion a year, comes from people who travel by bus to shops, cafés, restaurants, and leisure venues.
On average, bus passengers spend around £32 per return trip at their destination, whether they are travelling for shopping, leisure, or commuting.

Within Greater Manchester (GM):

The everyday spending and activities of bus users contribute around £675 million each year to Greater Manchester’s economy and wider society.
Bus passengers generate almost £1.5 billion a year in economic activity across local high streets, town centres, and communities in Greater Manchester.
People who rely on the bus to get to work contribute more than £3.2 billion to the economy through the value of the goods and services they help produce. This is known as gross value added (GVA), a measure of the economic value created in a specific area or sector.

Research within Greater Manchester by infrastructure consultants Aecom has suggested that:

On some high streets around 2 in 3 people arrive by walking, cycling, wheeling, or public transport.

Transport for London research suggests that businesses may overestimate their customers’ car use, with an example survey finding that:

Local businesses believed that around 63% of their customers arrived by car, but only 20% of visitors said they actually travelled by car.
Businesses thought that about half of their customers walked to the area, but in reality, 64% of visitors said they walked.
Businesses estimated that 41% of customers used public transport, while 54% of visitors said they travelled this way.

The most recent Census 2021 data indicates that:

33.2% of households do not have a car or van in the borough of Salford.
42.9% of households have 1 car or van in the borough of Salford.
19.3% of households have 2 cars or vans in the borough of Salford.
4.6% of households have 3 or more cars or vans in the borough of Salford.

People who don’t have a car depend on public transport or on walking, cycling, or wheeling to get to work, school, shops, medical appointments, and to visit family and friends. People without a car are up to six times more likely to use the bus

We want to provide people with more choice around how they travel and unlock the potential for some to travel differently than they may have done previously.

Research from 2023 shows that 16% of car trips in Greater Manchester were 1km or less, around 185 million journeys. Most people could walk this distance in about 15 minutes or cycle it in around four.
Studies of two Greater Manchester town centres found that most visitors lived less than a mile from the high street.
Monitoring of the Leigh–Salford–Manchester guided busway shows that a 27% increase in bus journey speeds helped boost passenger satisfaction and grow annual passenger numbers from around 2.1 million in 2016/17 to over 3 million in 2018/19.
The Confederation of Passenger Transport estimates that one double-decker bus can replace up to 75 cars on a route.

Our aim is to make public transport, walking, wheeling, and cycling easier and more reliable. By giving people better options for short and everyday journeys, we can reduce congestion on the roads, which helps everyone, including drivers, with quicker and more predictable journey times.

We expect the project to bring significant long-term benefits, but there may be some short-term disruption while construction takes place.
We will do everything we can to keep this disruption to a minimum, and we welcome any suggestions through the engagement process on how we can reduce the impact further.

Having more people walk, wheel, cycle, or use the bus along the route will:

help improve air quality,
support better health,
reduce noise,
cut greenhouse gas emissions and
lessen the impact of carbon on the climate.

The proposals to improve journeys between Salford Crescent and MediaCityUK will help deliver local, regional, and national strategies within the local area. These include:

Makes bus journeys quicker and more reliable, supporting the Bee Network and the GM Transport Strategy 2040.
Creates safer, calmer streets for people walking, wheeling, and cycling, in line with the Streets for All approach.
Improves air quality and cuts carbon emissions, supporting the GM Clean Air Plan, GM Environment Plan, and Salford’s Climate Change Strategy.
Helps more people reach shops, services, and town centres, boosting local businesses and aligning with the GM Strategy and Salford Local Plan.
Supports inclusive access to jobs, education, and healthcare, contributing to the Greater Manchester Strategy and Salford’s Great Eight priorities.
Provides better travel options for people without cars, helping reduce inequalities and supporting Salford’s Tackling Poverty Strategy.

Helps buses run faster and more reliably by removing delays caused when they have to pull in and out of laybys.
Creates safer, easier boarding for passengers, including wheelchair users and people with pushchairs.
Separates cyclists from buses, reducing conflict and improving safety for everyone.
Provides smoother, more predictable journeys for both bus users and people cycling.

Funding

Funding for the work has been provided through the government’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), which saw Greater Manchester awarded £1.07bn to help deliver the Bee Network. This is funding aimed at:

Improving and developing local transport networks – particularly public transport networks – and cycling, walking and wheeling routes.
Opening up new areas and improving links to jobs, education and housing.
Creating innovative new transport schemes to solve problems.

Funded by UK government logo