Posted on Tuesday 1st August 2023
Work on a new town centre cycleway in Burton which will connect to a wider network to support sustainable and active travel is progressing to its final stages.
The Station Street/Borough Road route between the town centre and railway station will be the first section of future planned sections which will improve connectivity east to west across the town.
Further planned sections will connect to the town hall, canal, hospital, Shobnall Leisure Centre, schools, residential areas and the existing cycle network, including the National Cycle Network (NCN).
The first phase on the northern side of Station Street, between Mosley Street and Union Street junction is nearing completion. Phase two commenced early May and is expected to be completed by early September. Original plans included the project team returning to site in November following utility diversions, but a redesign has meant this is no longer needed.
The initial scheme is a joint one between Staffordshire County Council, East Staffordshire Borough Council and cycling charity Sustrans. Funding for the £1.6million scheme has come from Government allocations to both the county and borough councils, as well as Sustrans.
Phase two will see new cycleway installed on the southern side of Station Street between Mosley Street and George Street, as well as on the southern side of Borough Road between Mosley Street and the railway station.
Traffic management will be needed in order for the work to take place safely. It includes a temporary one-way closure along Station Street and Borough Road to the railway station and multi-way lights at the junction of Station Street and Guild Street. Some daytime and nighttime closures will also be necessary. People can find out full details on the project webpage.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport David Williams said:
“This new section of cycleway in the heart of Burton will be the first phase of a network across the town, significantly improving both safety and connections for cyclists.
“The team has carried out a redesign of the scheme so that further works in November to divert utilities is no longer needed and it will be fully completed by September.
“When complete, the facility will enable more people to consider cycling as a green travel option which increases fitness and wellbeing. Cycling is a great way to move around over shorter journeys. We want to make our towns attractive places to cycle or walk which this scheme and later phases will support.
“We’re working with both East Staffordshire Borough Council and Sustrans on this first phase so it’s a true collaborative effort.
“We’d again like to thank people for bearing with us during the works period and we look forward to seeing the new route in use as soon as possible.”