A multi-million transformation of a town centre crossroads is one step closer to approval after £300,000 was released towards the scheme.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority considered the changes to the crossroads of Higher Bridge Street / Topp Way, as well as a number of other changes to the transport network, at the end of last week.

The cost of the scheme is estimated at £3.8 million, less than the initial sum allocated to it, with a leftover sum of £2.6 million reallocated.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham asked colleagues for approval for £300,000 to be released to allow for the preparation of a business case, a request to which all those in attendance agreed last week.

READ MORE: Higher Bridge Street and Topp Way plan set to progress.

Before, in a short statement on the scheme, which includes the reallocation of space on the road to cyclists and pedestrians, Bolton Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Stuart Haslam said: "These developments will not only improve safety for all road users but will also improve connectivity and help traffic flow better around the town centre."

All investment comes from Greater Manchester's £1 billion slice of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, which was announced by the government on April 1 last year.

The Bolton News:

The transformation at the junction of Higher Bridge Street / Topp Way comes after work on the junction of Bradshawgate / Bridgeman Place / Manchester Road / Trinity Street, funded by the Greater Manchester Local Growth Deal, and at the same time as work in a number of areas across the town centre funded by the Mayor's Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund.

Other changes to the transport network to progress included a Bus Pinch Points and Maintenance programme ahead of the introduction of the Bee Network in Bolton and Wigan on September 24 this year.

READ MORE: Bolton: New bus operators announced for Bee Network.

There were also sums released towards the creation of a train station in Golborne, Wigan, and the refurbishment of the Manchester Street Viaduct, Oldham.

After the preparation of a business case for the crossroads of Higher Bridge Street / Topp Way, it will return to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority for further consideration.