Pavement widening plan to boost safety in Stafford
Road improvements to make it easier for people cycling and walking in Stafford are set to start next year, it has been announced.
Chiefs at Staffordshire County Council said the move would see pavements widened at South Walls to create a shared cycle and walking space.
New crossings will be introduced with the existing two-lane road being reduced down to one following the public consultation earlier this year.
Work is expected to start on January 11 and is expected to be completed by April 22 – with roads closed throughout the works and diversions in place.
Minor works will be carried out at the roundabout on Lammascote Road to improve traffic flow along with some general improvements to the public area.
And the taxi rank on Clarke Street will be moved to South Walls and will be replaced with pay and display parking, bosses have announced.
Access for businesses, properties and carparks will be maintained throughout the work period – with existing parking bays on Eastgate Street also accessible.
Councillor 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 – which aims to 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.
Councillor Williams 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."
