The Milton Road project aims to improve public transport, cycling and walking infrastructure to make these sustainable travel options a more attractive alternative to the car.
At the time of publication, we are still in the pre-election period. As a public body, there are clear rules covering what we can issue during this time. As a result, this update will focus on progress of works.
We would like to thank you for your patience as we move towards completion of the works later in the year.
Overview
We want to remind all users of Milton Road of the need to treat workers with dignity and respect as they carry out the works on this scheme.
Additional overnight works have been required to complete surfacing and island works which began in March but were slowed down as we addressed concerns around the safety of our workforce who were operating closure points.
A combination of road, footpath and red cycle path tarmac remains to be laid as part of a future tarmacking visit which is planned for late May / early June.
White line and icon painting is ongoing, with both the new road and the cycleway symbols and markings underway. This includes specialised lining for the block paving on Copenhagen crossings.
Much of the kerb work is complete, particularly in the southern section of Milton Road.
Tree planting and verge work is ongoing., with verges in the northern section, towards King’s Hedges are being protected by the landscape company Willerby’s to ensure successful seeding.
Mitcham’s Corner / Gilbert Road / up to Arbury Road
Red cycle-lane tarmac has been laid from Mitcham’s Corner to Herbert Street on the west apart from a few small segments and a section south of Westbrook Drive. The Westbrook and Gilbert Road traffic signal light loops were installed last week and will be commissioned by the end of April.
Tree pits are being completed between Gilbert Road and the roundabout on the west.
Ascham Road Copenhagen crossing
This will shortly be complete and is expected to be re-opened around the end of April / early May.
Hurst Park Avenue
We aim to start work on the Copenhagen crossing at Hurst Park Avenue once Ascham Road is complete. Works will be carried out under three-way lights.
Highworth Avenue / Elizabeth Way roundabout
Additional overnight work to install the new traffic islands for the new signalised roundabout at the junction with Highworth Avenue and Elizabeth Way have been taking place, with completion planned for the end of April.
The traffic signal poles and cabling will then be installed with the traffic lights set to be commissioned once surfacing is complete over the next month.
Arbury Road shops area
Both layers of tarmac have been laid past the bus stop and up to the Co-op. This section will then join the work area with the Arbury Road junction.
Access for business and shop users, along with deliveries and parking, continues to be maintained.
North of Arbury Road
Work on the demarcation kerbs that were moved on the east to widen the footway north of Arbury Road have been completed and surfacing has been laid there up to the temporary bus stop.
Downham’s Lane is now complete, with tarmac (surface course) laid.
With surfacing taking place on the east, this section will be complete up to the temporary bus stop leading past the Milton Arms.
Birch Close Copenhagen crossing
Work is continuing on the Birch Close Copenhagen crossing and is more than 50% complete. The junction is not closed. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Milton Road with motion sensitive lights to enable vehicles to enter and exit Birch Close.
Fraser Road Copenhagen crossing
Work on the Copenhagen crossing at the Fraser Road junction continues and is around 75% complete.
Kendal Way
Pedestrian lights at Kendal Way will be commissioned after surfacing and final surfacing lining in the area.
King’s Hedges
We have now moved on to the north-west quadrant. Site clearance has begun as has excavation for tree pits.
North of King’s Hedges junction – east
The southbound bus stop opposite the Golden Hind is now open.
Lovell Road Copenhagen crossing
Work is ongoing at this junction. A reminder that this junction is closed to all motor vehicles while works take place. Access to Lovell Road via vehicle will be from the King’s Hedges Road access point. Pedestrians and cyclists may continue to enter and exit from Milton Road.