Safer new route for cyclists and pedestrians near Fleetwood
Cyclists and pedestrians living near Fleetwood in Lancashire are to share in a £1.5 million investment providing safer and smoother walking and cycling alongside the A585.
Highways England is starting work on the West Drive to Fleetwood shared footpath and cycleway project on Wednesday (4 January) and it should be completed by the end of March.
The improvements include constructing a shared use path alongside a mile-long section of the southbound carriageway at Amounderness Way, between the Eros Roundabout at the Nautical College and Denham Way Roundabout. A shared footway and cycle path will also be provided on the south side of Denham Way between Copse Road and the A585.
Two new cycle and pedestrian crossings will also be provided – one just south of Denham Way Roundabout and the other to the north of Eros Roundabout.
New crossing points are also being provided
All of the work is being delivered as part of a £100 million dedicated fund for cycle enhancements along the national strategic road network – itself part of the Government’s £15 billion road investment strategy.
Highways England project manager Philip Tyrrell said:
We are delivering a £15 billion investment in our roads – the largest in a generation – to provide safer, quicker and better journeys.
This is a significant investment in facilities for cyclists and pedestrians along this busy section of the A585 and will provide a safer and more pleasant environment for both sets of customers.
Highways England has worked closely with Cycling UK’s North West branch to develop the new cycle path and is considering extending the scheme further south along the A585 to Skippool.
Matt Hodges, Cycling UK representative in Wyre, welcomed the scheme. He said:
Many people would like to cycle to work or to education but find busy roads like the A585, Amounderness Way, too stressful. This investment by Highways England is the first step, in this area, towards making our strategic road network safer and easier to use for cyclists and pedestrians. It will encourage many people to improve their health, fitness and wealth by active travel to work and for leisure.
We look forward to the extension of this scheme from the Eros Roundabout to Skippool.
Narrow lanes, backed by a temporary 30mph speed limit, will be used along the route to help provide a safe space for workers constructing the new shared paths. Work will take place between 7am and 7pm each day with occasional overnight work.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.