Changes will be made to new cycle lanes in Barrow, following feedback that more room was needed for vehicles.
The cycle lanes, on Bridge Road and Michaelson Road, are part of a plan developed by the borough council, paid for by cash from the Active Travel Fund.
Improvements include:
- Adding new white lines on the footway next to Michaelson Road to provide a clear separation between pedestrians and cyclists.
- Redesigning the layout on Bridge Road, with removal of 50 meters of bollards on Bridge Road, reinstating two lanes for vehicles on the approach to the traffic lights leading to Jubilee Bridge and North Road and moving the cycle lane on to the footway.
- Improvin drainage of standing water on the cycle paths
Story Contracting Ltd will carry out the improvements. Work is due to start at the end of the month, and scheduled to be complete by Christmas, weather dependent. Work will be carried out Monday to Friday, from 8am from 5pm.
Councillor Kevin Hamilton, chairman of Barrow Local Committee, said: “Earlier in the year, the Local Committee recommended to remove some of the bollards from Bridge Road and to relocate the cycle lane onto the pavement, reinstating two lanes for vehicles on the approach to the traffic lights leading to Jubilee Bridge and North Road. We are pleased that this and other improvements will now be happening, as these enhancements will benefit the locals, especially BAE employees.
“These adaptions should help the traffic flow much easier and will help to encourage more people to walk or cycle for shorter journeys. Getting active is hugely beneficial for both our mental and physical health – helping reduce stress and ward off other illnesses. Walking and cycling also improves air quality and will help to reduce congestion within Barrow.”
Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I am pleased that we were able to work with the Barrow Local Committee and quickly put their suggestions into action.
“We apologise for any disruption caused by this project, which was implemented with the best of intentions following consultation and we will continue to keep this under review and listen to feedback. I would like to thank the local community for their patience, and support for this project.”
