A new section to a popular active travel route that aims to create a safe cycling and walking route from Blackpool to Saint Annes is now open, marking the completion of the Clifton Drive Cycleway scheme.
The cycle track runs from Todmorden Road in St Annes to the Squires Gate Junction at Blackpool and features a number of improvements to help people cross Clifton Drive North safely. The route is also part of National Cycleway 62, connecting Fleetwood in Lancashire with Selby in North Yorkshire.
Completion of the new track comes ahead of the annual Ride the Lights event on Tuesday August 27, with riders due to use the newly-completed section en route to Blackpool Promenade for a preview of the Illuminations ahead of the official switch-on later this week.
Following completion of the first phase of the scheme in 2022, further funding was awarded from Active Travel England, with work starting earlier this year to complete the final section.
The work includes further junction improvements to make it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to travel safely along the route and cross Clifton Drive North (A584). New signalised crossings have also been added to the junction with Highbury Road West, to support safer travel and to mitigate the occurrence of further collisions.
The speed limit along this section of Clifton Drive North (A584) was reduced to 30mph in 2022, while a number of parking restrictions were put in place to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
County Councillor Scott Smith, lead member for highways and active travel, said: “I am thrilled to see the full completion of this scheme as it was originally intended back in 2022.
“The Fylde coast is already a popular destination for cyclists and walkers, and the new extension further enhances this route and makes it safer for people to use.
“We are determined to make Lancashire the best place to cycle and walk for all ages, and this is just one of a number of exciting schemes we are delivering across the county.”
County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “The newly completed extension links the existing track to quieter routes and will help people using it to safely negotiate some busy junctions.
“We’re pleased to have finished the extension in time for Ride the Lights so that we can be a part of this popular event and showcase the finished route to the wider public.
“I’d really encourage people to ditch their cars and come and check out the finished route.
“I’d also like to give special thanks to the Visual Impairment forum for their valued input during the design stage of this scheme.”
PIC-LANCASHIRE CC
