Work starts to improve walking and cycling links between rail station and Central Park
Work to improve walking and cycling links between Plymouth’s rail station and Central Park will soon get under way.
The scheme, which will complement improvements already made around the station, will address many of the challenges faced by cyclists and pedestrians, including those with visual impairments.
Improvements, which have been agreed following consultation with more than 1,500 residents and businesses, as well as an information event at the station, include:
Safer pedestrian and cycle access on Restormel Road, with the introduction of a ‘no entry’ restriction for vehicles from Sutherland Road
Safer and easier-to-use crossings on Restormel Road, Apsley Road and Maple Grove, with wide flush kerbs and tactile paving
A kerb build-out on Maple Grove to increase space for pedestrians and provide a shorter, easier crossing
Widening the path over the Sutherland Road bridge so it can be shared by cyclists (who won’t have to cycle on or cross Sutherland Road)
Safer and easier-to-use crossings at the junction of Dale Road and Central Park Avenue, with a raised plateau to slow traffic speed
Resurfacing, traffic calming and a priority give-way feature on Central Park Avenue. (A short length of double yellow lines will be needed outside Central Park Towers but residents’ permit parking will not be affected)
A shared path for pedestrians and less confident cyclists along Central Park Avenue between Dale Road and the entrance to Central Park
The scheme will also include new, clear direction signs, improved street lighting, several areas of road and footway resurfacing and the removal of redundant signs and posts.
Construction, which is being carried out our highways contractor Amey, will start on Monday 15 February and is expected to finish in early July. Temporary traffic lights and short road closures will be used at various stages to allow work to be carried out safely.
Delays will be kept to a minimum, but drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys being made through the area and look out for yellow signs, which will be in place before work starts on each part of the route.
The project is the final link of a wider programme developed in partnership with Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, that has secured £885,000 of central government funding, matched with £560,000 from the Council.
Construction of the scheme will cost £182,000 and the substantial resurfacing and drainage improvements that will be delivered at the same time will cost an additional £210,000. These maintenance improvements are funded through a successful funding bid to the Department for Transport’s Maintenance Challenge Fund.
Councillor Brian Vincent, Cabinet Member for Streetscene, said: “This project has involved a lot of planning and consultation and I’m delighted that we are now ready to deliver another key link in Plymouth’s walking and cycling network. It will help to continue Plymouth’s growth in cycling, which has gone up 45 per cent in just five years and provide many benefits for pedestrians. I am also pleased that we will be delivering substantial resurfacing at the same time as the scheme, maximising efficiency and minimising disruption.”
Letters are being sent out to residents and businesses in the local area.
For more information about the scheme click here.
