Branston Footway and Cycleway Improvement Scheme FAQs
What is happening?
The proposed project aims to widen the existing footpath along B5018 Main Street to provide a 3m and 2.5m shared space for pedestrians/cyclists. The preferred option is:
- Widening the existing footpath within the embankment to provide a 3m shared space for cyclists and pedestrians. The widening of the footpath across the embankment will be supported by a retaining wall. However, extra land is needed for the wall.
- As part of the project, there are plans to install a new raised zebra crossing along B5018, Main Street at its junction with Church Road and upgrade the current crossing on Clays Lane to a parallel crossing. A toucan crossing will be installed on B5018, Main Street at its junction with Warren Lane.
- One-way shared footpath/cycleway provision is proposed on both sides of the road between Warren Lane and the existing toucan crossing at the entrance to Paget County High School.
- The footpath along the Branston Railway Bridge cannot be widened. Therefore, this section of the footpath will only provide a width of 2m of shared space for cyclists and pedestrians. As a result, we will advise the cyclists to dismount prior to entering the bridge and take extra care while travelling through this narrow section of footpath.
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The existing footpath on the north side between Clays Lane and the junction with Main Street will be widened to 2.5m. However, to retain the existing bus lay-bys and to accommodate the existing two-way arrangements on Church Road, a short section of the footpath will not be widened. Therefore, we request the cyclists to dismount and take extra care while travelling through this narrow section of the footpath.
Why have you chosen this route?
Various studies over the last few years have shown that space for pedestrians and cyclists along the B5018 Main Street/Burton Road is unsafe and not up to standard. The audit carried out by Sustrans identified that the footpath along Main Street is used by a large number of cyclists and pedestrians, where it highlighted significant risks associated with the current poor walking and cycling provision, and it was observed that the pedestrians were stepping into the road to give way to cyclists.
Following the closure of the railway crossing over 10 years ago, which linked Old Road with Warren Lane, and without an alternative, Main Street has become the only route for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the railway Line. However, the quality of the current provision along Main Street is widely considered inappropriate and does not meet the government standards for the volumes of pedestrian and cyclist traffic. As a result, the proposed improvement works aim to create a safer route for pedestrians and cyclists.
Following a review of all the information available, options and recommendations have been made to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and all road users. By considering the physical constraints along the corridor, the proposed measures will help create a more coherent, direct, safe, comfortable and attractive route for pedestrians and cyclists. It is proposed that these improvements are required to mitigate the impact of Network Rail's closure of the level crossing facility and to accommodate the growth in pedestrian and cycle trips associated with the Land South of Branston development site. Additionally, the proposed improvements will address the lack of crossing provisions on either side of the Branston Bridge by providing additional crossing facilities along the route.
These recommendations complement the new pedestrian and cycle facilities being delivered at the Main Street/B5018 junction as part of the S278 works associated with the Land South of Branston development site and the proposed highway infrastructure works at Branston Interchange associated with the Branston Locks development site. Furthermore, these proposed improvements support the wider cycle network proposals with Staffordshire Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan 2021 (LCWIP), including Clays Lane linking to the A5121 Wellington Road and continuation of the cycle network between Paget County High School and Burton upon Trent town centre and linking to the National Cycle Network Route 54 serving John Taylor Free School and the Branston Locks development.
What work has already been done?
- An initial geotechnical investigation has been completed on site. The results from this analysis will inform the design for the retaining wall.
- We have undertaken further surveys such as:
- Topographical survey
- Traffic Count
- Ecological walkover survey and tree survey
- Ground Penetrating Radar survey to locate underground utility services such as water and gas.
What work is still to take place?
- Work is ongoing on the outline design for the proposal.
- We are consulting with key stakeholders on the design and reviewing our proposal.
- Further designs work to be carried out for the highway and street lighting.
- Further engagement and design works with utility companies
- Public consultation.
What is happening to the existing railway crossing?
We have received the application from Network Rail to close the existing railway crossing that linked Old Road and Warren Lane. We are reviewing the application and liaising with key stakeholders on this matter.
Since Network Rail is partially funding the scheme, the scheme can only go ahead if the Warren Lane level crossing is permanently closed.
When will the construction works start and how long will it take?
We anticipate construction to commence in Winter 2024/2025, but this is subject to land acquisition and public consultation.
We estimate the construction works will take approximately 9-12 months and will confirm this once detailed designs are completed.
What about the impact on the residents living nearby?
We understand that tree clearance and construction works may cause some disturbance to the community. We will take all necessary precautions to minimise disruption and keep noise, dust, and vibration from the construction activities to a minimum.
To facilitate the construction works, lane closures, footpath closures, and road closures will be required. However, the details around the Traffic Management can only be finalised during the detailed design phase and will be communicated with the impacted users. Also, we will do our best to minimise any disruption and inconvenience caused by these measures.
How much will it cost?
The total cost for the proposal cannot be confirmed until the detailed design is completed; however, it is anticipated to cost approximately £1.9 million. The scheme will be funded through S106 developer funds, Network Rail, and a Levelling Up Fund award.
High Level Programme
Please note the below timescales are anticipated and subjected to change.
- Outline Design: Spring 2023 to Spring 2024
- Consultation: Autumn 2023 to Autumn 2024
- Detailed Design and Procurement: Spring 2024 to Winter 2024/2025
- Construction: Winter 2024/2025 to Winter 2025/2026
Where can I find out more?
You can find out more by contacting