Posted on Thursday 1st February 2024
A regeneration project to improve walking and cycling routes in Cannock town centre is progressing well with a third of the scheme due for completion by the end of the week.
The 12-week scheme will see new shared cycle routes, upgraded crossing points and widened footways in Church Street and Ringway, as well as a new link from Allport Road to Beecroft Road car park. It forms part of the wider regeneration plans for the town.
A total of £400,000 is being invested in the project thanks to an allocation from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund 2 (LUF2). This follows a successful bid by the county council to the national programme. Funding has to be spent for specific improvements set out in the bid and cannot be used for general road repairs or maintenance.
While this takes place, National Grid is carrying out essential works to install a new power supply to Cannock hospital. This avoids unnecessary extra disruption at a later date.
People travelling through Cannock town centre are being advised to allow additional journey time, and if possible try to find alternative routes during peak periods.
Anyone wanting further information can find out more on the project webpage.
The LUF2 scheme includes:
• An upgrade to the existing puffin crossing on A34 Ringway to a toucan crossing
• A shared footway/cycleway along Church Street between Hednesford Road and Allport Road on the northern side
• Provision of new link from Beecroft Road Car Park to Allport Road
• Improvements to uncontrolled crossings, street lighting and traffic signs
During the works period, traffic management will be needed so that it can be carried out safely. This will include a closure of the Hednesford Road/Lichfield Road junction for one to two days, as well as lane closures on Church Street, Ringway and Mill Street.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport David Williams said:
This scheme is bringing major improvements to cyclists and pedestrians in Cannock town centre – bringing better connectivity, encouraging active travel and contributing to its regeneration.
We appreciate that this is causing considerable disruption which we apologise for and again remind people to allow extra travel time or consider using alternative routes if possible.
This a significant investment into the town centre and its regeneration – funding which can only be used for improvements set out in the bid as per Government guidance. It would have been allocated elsewhere if our bid hadn’t been successful.”
Later this year major structural works will take place on the Beecroft Road roundabout. In addition, there will be increased frequency of buses on the 74 and 75 Cannock to Stafford service, with new electric vehicles introduced.