In support of the Bath Walking, Wheeling and Cycling route between Weston and Queen Square, Bath & North East Somerset Council has launched four statutory consultations with work expected to start in Royal Victoria Park and Park Lane this autumn
The council consulted on earlier proposals last year and says the revised design reflects residents’ feedback, says the Bath Echo.
There will be amendments to parking and waiting restrictions around Royal Victoria Park and part of Royal Avenue, and there will be a new zebra pedestrian crossing on Park Lane, 11 metres south of the mini-roundabout junction with Weston Road.
The council says parking provision will be retained to meet demand, including at peak times, and new disabled bays will be installed close to amenities.
Five raised table crossings will be installed. Vehicles will still be able to access the park from Park Lane as they do now. The new cycle route will feature green surfacing and flexible ‘tulip wand’ separators to create a clear boundary from the road.
It will involve two contraflow mandatory cycle lanes. One will be from the north-west entrance at the junction with Park Lane and Weston Road for cyclists to travel south-east along the access road on the south-west side of the carriageway.
The other will be from the north-west access road to the Victoria Obelisk, enabling south-east-bound movement of cyclists. The cycle lane will be along the eastern and northern side of the road.
The project also includes heritage-style, eco-sensitive lighting to support safety and year-round use.
Councillor Lucy Hodge, cabinet member for sustainable transport delivery, said:
“In Royal Victoria Park, we have listened to feedback and refined the plans, retaining vehicle access while delivering better facilities for people walking, wheeling and cycling through the park. The improvements will create safer crossings, better accessibility and a more welcoming environment for everyone.”
Funding for the scheme has been secured by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
(Picture: Mapillary)
