Works starts on next section of Central Park to Honicknowle Cycle Scheme

Work is set to start on the next section of the Central Park to Honicknowle Cycle Scheme.

The scheme, which got under way in February, will create a new cycling and walking link from Central Park to Crownhill Road, following quieter roads and running through Ham Woods. It will help to create a cross-city cycle network and encourage more people to discover, or rediscover, the joys of cycling.

The latest phase of work, which will connect Ham Woods to Honicknowle via the St Budeaux Bypass (A3064), includes:

improved street lighting
two islands on the bypass to help pedestrians and cyclists cross the road
work to widen a section of the existing walking and cycling path
work to extend the walking and cycling path to the Weston Mill junction in one direction and the slip road onto the A38 (westbound) in the other
lowering the speed limit on the bypass from 50mph to 40mph

Work is scheduled to begin on Tuesday 6 May and last for around 16 weeks.

Disruption is being kept to a minimum during construction, with two-way traffic being maintained for the majority of the works. Traffic lights will only be used for around a week in June or July, during the construction of the pedestrian islands (and only between 9.30am and 4pm).

However, the speed limit on the bypass will be lowered to 30mph for the duration of the works to ensure the safety of workers.

The Central Park to Honicknowle Cycle Scheme was developed in consultation with local residents and action groups and supports wider work by the Council to promote walking and cycling, through initiatives such as free adult cycling lessons, bike safety checks and Sky Rides.

It is being part funded by the Department for Transport’s Cycle Safety Fund, which is administered by Sustrans and aims to improve the safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Ian Barrett, Regional Director for Sustrans, said: "We are delighted that this scheme is being delivered in Plymouth. We know that safer routes like this will allow many more people to walk and cycle as part of their daily lives, reducing congestion and improving health."

The scheme was designed and is being built by Amey, the Council’s highways maintenance contractor. For more information and a full list of planned works visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/centralparktohonicknowl e.