The wheels are turning
17 Jan 2024 02:21
Published by:
Scott Callan
PLANS to improve pedestrian and cycling links in Northwich have been shared with people across the town.
Active Travel England has awarded Cheshire West and Chester Council £892,000 to deliver a pedestrian and cycling route connecting the railway station to the town centre.
In the run up to Christmas a consultation exercise asked people and local businesses their thoughts on the proposals and two possible routes. It involved a number of drop-in events and pop-up exhibitions.
Proposals include improved pedestrian crossing points at side roads, reduced speed limits to make on-road cycling safer, a new signalised crossing for pedestrians and cyclists over Chester Way, improved public realm and crossing at the at Venables Way junction with Witton Street.
The design team is proposing two route choices. ‘Route A’ is along Station Road/Witton Street and would provide a direct pedestrian route along Station Road, across Chester Way on to Witton Street to the town centre.
For cyclists, a reduced speed limit to 20mph would improve the on-road route, but high traffic levels would remain.
‘Route B’ goes along Victoria Road and Kingsway and would provide an on-road cycle route with pedestrian improvements along Victoria Road on to Kingsway.
A new crossing over Chester Way to Church Road leads on to Witton Street to the town centre.
Proposals also include banning vehicles turning right from Chester Way into Church Road. For cyclists, this would be a quieter on-road route with less traffic, however it is less direct to reach the town centre. Launching the consultation, Karen Shore, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, transport and highways, said: “The design team is looking forward to hearing the views of everyone who walks, cycles and wheels around Northwich plus residents along the routes and local businesses.
“We want to know your views on which route you prefer for walking, wheeling and cycling. We are committed to improving areas across the borough, Northwich joins projects already underway in Winsford and plans for Ellesmere Port and Chester.”
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