Work on a new town centre cycleway in Burton, Staffordshire which will connect to a wider network to support sustainable and active travel will begin on Monday February 6.
The Station Street/Borough Road route between the town centre and railway station will be the first section of future planned sections which will improve connectivity east to west across the town.
Further planned sections will connect to the town hall, canal, hospital, Shobnall Leisure Centre, schools, residential areas and the existing cycle network, including the National Cycle Network (NCN).
The initial scheme is a joint one between Staffordshire County Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council and cycling charity Sustrans. Funding for the £1.6million scheme has come from Government allocations to both the county and borough councils, as well as Sustrans.
Work will last for approximately 25 weeks. The scheme will include new cycleways on both sides of the road, between Mosley Street and George Street. There will also be a cycleway on the southern side of Borough Road to the Railway Station and the northern side of Station Street between George Street and Union Street.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport David Williams said: “This new section of cycleway in the heart of Burton will be the first phase of a network across the town, significantly improving both safety and connections for cyclists.
“It will enable more people to consider cycling as a green travel option which increases fitness and wellbeing. Cycling is a great way to move around over shorter journeys. We want to make our towns attractive places to cycle or walk which this scheme and later phases will support.
“We’re working with both East Staffordshire Borough Council and Sustrans on this first phase so it’s a true collaborative effort. Of course with any scheme like this, particularly in a town centre, there will be unavoidable disruption for which we’d like to apologise for in advance. “We’d like to thank people for bearing with us during the works period and we look forward to seeing the new route in use as soon as possible.”
East Staffordshire Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, business support and marketing Adam Clarke said: “It is exciting to see the launch of an important Burton Towns Fund project, which will see the creation of a new cycleway connecting the train station and town centre, as we continue our ambitious plans to regenerate the town centre working with partner organisations. Whilst no one wants to see any disruption to the existing road network, the longer-term benefits of establishing new, sustainable transportation options for residents and visitors will be great, as this project looks to enhance safety and connectivity for cycling in and around Burton upon Trent, creating the right infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrians, and road users alike.”
Sustrans England director for the Midlands and East Clare Maltby said: “We are delighted to be able to help bring this section of the National Cycle Network up to standard and help to improve links to the town centre, train station and existing National Cycle Network. Sustrans are the custodians of the National Cycle Network, and we want to create a network where families and everyone can enjoy cycling away from motor traffic.”
So that work can be carried out safely, some traffic management will need to be in place. This will include:
• Temporary multi-way traffic lights on Station Street, Union Street and Guild Street
• A one-way road closure for the works along Station Street and Borough Road to Railway Station
• Temporary pedestrian crossings when required
• A night-time closure or weekend working between Cross Street and Grants Yard for surfacing
