Wheeled, Walking & Cycle Improvement Scheme – B5017 Shobnall Road, Burton-upon-Trent
A UK Government grant has been secured by the sustainable travel charity Sustrans, for the design and delivery of a highway improvement scheme along Shobnall Road in Burton. As the local highway authority Staffordshire County Council will be working in partnership with Sustrans and Trent & Dove Housing Association to deliver the scheme aimed at improving wheeled, walking and cycling (WWC) along Shobnall Road.
The outcome for the scheme is to provide a missing section to the existing National Cycle Network (NCN) 54. Currently, the NCN 54 terminates just to the east of the A38 overpass on Shobnall Road and then starts again at the footway link to the Shobnall Leisure Complex, between Price Court and Hendeley Court.
The extents of the works will see the installation of a new Parallel crossing at the western end of the scheme, connected to the access link leading to the Shobnall Leisure Complex, by a 150m length of 3m wide shared footway/cycletrack.
The widened footway will see the introduction of two ‘continuous footways’ across the two entrances to Price Court. These ‘continuous footways’ remove the traditional dropped crossings in favour of maintaining the raised paved area through the junction. Similar to a driveway access, this approach will further reinforce the requirement for motorists to give way to pedestrians and other non-motorised users at the two side roads.
Other measures include;
- Upgrades to the two existing bus stops at this location,
- Changes to existing drainage as part of the kerbing works,
- Improved wayfinder signage for the NCN 54 route,
- Other traffic signs and road markings required as part of the scheme.
Scheme Drawings
The link below shows a drawing illustrating the proposed cycle route link along the B5017 Shobnall Road. The text that follows summarises the proposed changes.
When are the works taking place?
The works are to be delivered in two phases in order to take advantage of combined working with a third-party contractor who will be undertaking repair works to a gas main at the same location.
- Phase 1 - Construction is due to commence on Monday 17 February 2025 for 1 week under a full road closure.
- Phase 2 – We will then return on Monday 10 March 2025 to continue through to completion on 18 April 2025.
Phase 2 will be carried out under temporary traffic signals with a 1 day closure for resurfacing and road markings at the end of the job during the Easter holidays.
These dates are provisional and may could be affected due to unforeseen issues arising during the construction or inclement weather.
What is the proposed duration of the works?
It is anticipated that the works will be delivered as a single phase lasting for a period of 9 weeks.
Will I be able to access my home/business?
Yes, access will be maintained to homes and businesses.
How will the works affect me?
During construction we will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum. However, there may be occasions where, for the safety of our site teams, we need to carry out operations which impact on the community. Where possible we will notify individuals in advance of this and work with those affected to ensure that any inconvenience is minor.
How you can help us
For the effective and expedited delivery of the scheme your assistance in the following would be greatly appreciated:
- Please keep children away from the works to ensure their safety.
- Always adhere to traffic management extents.
- Please do not move or alter any signing or barriers which make up part of the traffic management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What provision will there be for any cycle parking?
As part of this scheme there is currently no plan to provide any cycle parking. There is parking available at the key destinations which this now link is looking to connect; Shobnall Leisure Complex, Burton town centre, Branston Water Park, etc.
Why are the works being carried out?
It has been a long-term goal for Staffordshire County Council to complete the link between these two sections of NCN 54. By working with Sustrans, East Staffordshire Borough Council and Trent & Dove Housing Association we are now in a position to be able to deliver on this aspiration.
The outcome will be the continuation of the NCN 54 an important part of the National Cycle Network which runs through Staffordshire and provides access to trails within the Peak District National Park.
Locally, we should see benefits with improved safety, better mobility and accessibility for wheeled, walking and cycling.
Where can I find details of Staffordshire County Council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for the Burton area?
Staffordshire County Council’s LCWIP has been approved by the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport and will be pivotal in helping the County Council to continue to make the case for future walking and cycling funding.
Details of the LCWIP can be found at:
https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Transport/Transport-Planning/Walking-and-cycling.aspx
Where can I find details of the National Cycle Networks routes and more information about Sustrans?
Sustrans are a national charity organisation who work for and with communities, helping them come to life by walking, wheeling and cycling to create healthier places and happier lives for everyone. Details of the national Cycle network are available on their website.
How are the works to be funded?
Funding is provided from Central Government as part of a successful grant bid made by Sustrans.
What is the cost of the works?
The total value of the grant funding for the scheme is £308,122.
What are the benefits to the people of Burton?
Delivery of schemes such as this across the country ahs been shown to provide the following benefits to a town and community:
- Encourages alternative, sustainable, greener travel.
- Improvements in health and mental wellbeing.
- Positive effects on NHS admissions.
- An effective method of challenging obesity and other health issues.
- Reduction in vehicle emissions.
How does this link with other planned works in Burton?
We have a number of schemes at differing stages of development planned for Burton, these include:
- Upgrades to the Trent & Mersey Canal to improve connectivity between the new housing developments around Lawns Farm, Branston and Burton.
- B5018 Burton Road/Branston Road shared-use cycle route.
- A5121 Derby Street accessibility improvements between Borough Road and the A511 Horninglow Road.
- East Staffordshire Borough Council Town Deal Borough Road cycle scheme to extend the Station Street project to Burton Town Hall.
Who is carrying out the work?
The works will be delivered by Amey Transport Infrastructure as part of the Staffordshire County Council Infrastructure+ Contract.
When are the works taking place?
Although construction was initially due to start on Monday 17 February to run alongside some essential gas works, residents have expressed concerns about the volume of traffic caused by roadworks in the general Burton area. Staffordshire County Council has therefore made the decision to push back the works to later in the year on a date yet to be determined.
Will there be any nighttime or weekend working as part of the construction?
At this stage we do not expect to work on extended hours or at weekends.
How do I contact Staffordshire County Council if I have any further questions regarding the B5017 Shobnall Road scheme?
For further information please email us: intraprojects@staffordshire.gov.uk.
When emailing please use ‘B5017 Shobnall Road PFE’ in the subject.