Highways England has invested £630,000 to extend a cycleway on the A36 in Salisbury in Wiltshire to help provide the missing link on one of the National Cycle Network’s key routes.
The 800 metre-long extension also aims to reduce the need for detours, dismounting or cycling within the carriageway.
Work on the cycleway started this week, and the end result will include a widening of footpaths, reconfiguration, new signs and lining, and high friction surfacing at entrances.
This is phase two of the scheme, with previous work introducing a route from Petersfinger Park and Ride to Bourne Way Roundabout.
Highways England route manager Neil Winter said the company is “committed to significantly improving cycle efficiency and safety across our road network”, and it is hoped the improved cycle way will be “easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians”.
He said: “At Highways England, our work goes beyond operating, maintaining and improving roads. We’re investing in the environment and communities surrounding our network, as well as the people travelling and working on it.
“We aim to address social and environmental issues and add real value to society. We’re delighted to be partnering with Wiltshire Council to realise this project – a glowing example of how this funding can make life better for communities living and working near our roads,” he told the Salisbury Journal.
The cycleway is expected to be completed by the end of March, with works carried out overnight under signalling. Pedestrians will be asked to use the southern side footway.
Since 2015 Highways England has invested more than £85 million towards the creation of 160 new and upgraded cycle ways across England, in a bid to provide safe, attractive and accessible facilities for people to cycle for work, shopping and leisure.
Councillor Bridget Wayman, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, said: “The council supports any measures that seek to encourage more people to use sustainable modes of travel and welcome the improvements proposed by Highways England.”
