Highways England has been working with Dorset Council to improve cycle and footpaths as well as upgrade crossing on a coastal route in the county.
Highways England has spent £675,000 on a Dorset Council scheme to create safety benefits on both the A35 and Sea Road South in Bridport.
A new, unsegregated footway and cycleway has been installed along Sea Road North together with a new toucan crossing, while the existing puffin crossing on Sea Road South has been upgraded to a toucan crossing, all part of ongoing improvements to the North Bridport/Bradpole and South Bridport/Bothenhampton cycle route.
Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “This project is another great example of how different organisations can work closely together for the benefit of our local communities. Not only will cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders be safer as a result of this initiative, but the health and environmental benefits for local residents will be substantial as we empower people to leave their cars at home, contributing to our long-term ambition of carbon neutrality across Dorset.
“I’d like to thank our colleagues at Highways England for their help in making this happen, as well as own Highways team who have worked hard to complete the project, especially in the last few challenging months during the pandemic. I’m looking forward to hearing what residents think of the new cycle and footpaths, as I’m confident they will be well received.”
Cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders will see more benefits over the next five years, with £169 million set aside in Highways England’s new Users and Communities fund. The company is using the fund to improve services for users and neighbours of England’s motorways and major A-roads, including increasing the options people have for sustainable travel.
Steven Wright, Highways England’s Users and Communities Fund lead, said: “We are committed to significantly improving safety across our road network, and the new and improved cycle and footpaths will make it much easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians.”
