Slough Borough Council’s transport planning team has secured grant funding to develop a major cycle route across the borough.
A total of £10.4m has been awarded from the latest round of the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Active Travel Fund, representing full funding for the scheme.
The promotion of Active Travel is one of the core elements of the council’s delivery of a sustainable, safe and integrated transport solution.
This scheme is one of the priorities in the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) and is in line with the council’s Local Transport policies, and wider council policies, including the Low Emission Strategy and emerging Carbon Strategy.
According to the council, benefits of the scheme will be extensive, contributing towards:
- improved public health
- improved air quality
- reduced traffic congestion and associated carbon emissions
- increased connectivity and mobility
- greater social inclusion.
Misha Byrne, the council’s transport lead, said: “The team is currently developing preliminary designs for the scheme, which is expected to cover the A4 from the western boundary to the Uxbridge Road junction.
“There are a number of pinch-points along the route, and innovative engineering solutions will be necessary in order to deliver a continuous and successful route. The team is looking forward to this challenge and to providing a high quality, safe and practical cycle highway.”
The designs are expected to include:
- segregation/part-segregation from mainstream traffic
- junction redesign and improved crossing provision
- prominent, enhanced signage and markings.
Councillor Pavitar K. Mann, lead member for transport, planning and place, said: “It’s fantastic news to hear we’ve been awarded this money which will enable us to reclaim the road space for all road users, in a sustainable and progressive way.
“Local areas have suffered from increased levels of traffic and increased speeds. The council has already introduced measures to make local roads better for walking and cycling, such as our rollout of School Streets.
“With this new scheme, we want to help people make travel choices that are cleaner and greener which will contribute towards Slough being a safer, healthier and more attractive place to live and work.”
Highways schemes of this kind go hand in hand with the council’s ongoing educational programme which promotes behavioural change through travel planning and engagement with wide-ranging organisations and the community.
The plans will be released for consultation in the summer.
Dates for the construction of the scheme are yet to be determined.
