Posted on Monday 14th December 2020
Artist impressions of the finished project
Highways improvements to make it easier for cycling and walking in Stafford are set to start in the new year.
The improvements at South Walls will include widening of the pavement to create a shared cycle and walking space and new crossings with the existing two lane road being reduced to one lane.
Minor works at the roundabout on Lammascote Road will also be carried out to improve traffic flow along with some general improvements to the public area. The taxi rank on Clarke Street will be moved to South Walls and will be replaced with pay and display parking
Work will start on Monday, 11 January 2021 and is expected to be completed by 22 April 2021. To ensure the work can be carried out safely, the road will be closed throughout the works, with diversions in place. Access for businesses, properties and carparks will be maintained throughout the scheme. Similarly, existing parking bays on Eastgate Street will also be accessible for the duration of the works.
David Williams, cabinet member for highways and transport at Staffordshire County Council said:
“These improvements are all part of our plans to make it easier and safer for people walking and cycling in the town.
“In the short term this will make it easier for people to socially distance and get around safely. But, longer term it will help encourage more active travel, improve people’s health and wellbeing, combat climate change and help reduce air pollution.”
The scheme follows public consultation earlier in the year and is part of the county council’s local cycling and walking infrastructure plan. This aims to encourage more people to travel this way and to help improve people’s health and wellbeing.
The scheme will also create the ‘missing link’ of the National Cycle Network NCN55 creating a safe cycle route through the town.
David added:
“The highways improvements also link in nicely with The nearby Eastgate Regeneration scheme which could see the creation of a thriving community supporting a vibrant social, retail and cultural offer in the heart of the town.”
People can find out more about the Stafford South Walls Highways scheme here.