Walking and cycling projects taken to next stage by Board

Projects that aim to enhance the region’s walking and cycling network have taken a step forward following the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Executive Board meeting.

Members of the board were yesterday (Thursday 4 January) presented with revised designs for Hills Road and the Addenbrooke’s roundabout, which aim to enhance road safety at two busy areas of Cambridge.

The board considered the proposed construction programme for the Greenways network as well as detailed proposals for two of the 12 active travel routes which will connect Fulbourn and Haslingfield to Cambridge.

Addenbrooke’s roundabout

The board approved the final detailed design which would see significantly widened cycle lanes and footpaths on both sides of the Fendon Road arm of this busy roundabout.

The central island would be reduced in size to accommodate the upgraded active travel links while retaining the width of the lanes in the road for motorised vehicles, with the roundabout used at all times by the emergency services.

The design reflects the feedback at public consultation, with the re-introduction of the informal crossing point on the Fendon Road arm of the roundabout and reverting to an enhanced two stage crossing of the southern arms of the roundabout.

Hills Road

Proposals to improve road safety and walking, cycling and bus journeys along Hills Road have progressed to the next stage.

The board today gave the green light for further detailed design and modelling work on proposals to enhance active travel journeys along Hills Road, including further options to improve the Lensfield Road/Gonville Place junction.

The wider scheme would retain key sections of bus lane, create better active travel links and a cyclops junction at the Station Road and Cherry Hinton Road junction to encourage more people to walk and wheel around the city.

More information about this decision can be found here (remain on the GCP's website).

Greenways

The full business case for the Greenways – 12 new walking, cycling and, where appropriate, equestrian routes linking surrounding towns and villages to the city – was approved.

The board approved the outline business case for the Fulbourn Greenway, with amendments to the design of the junction of Teversham Road and Hinton Road as part of phase one.

The routing of the Haslingfield Greenway through Grantchester is proposed to continue whilst recognising the need to ensure the character of the village is protected.

Cllr Elisa Meschini, Chair of the GCP’s Executive Board, said:

“I am pleased the Board agreed to progress these key projects which will significantly improve road safety and walking and cycling routes across our region.

“It promises to be a busy year ahead for the GCP as we continue to deliver schemes that make it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle and travel by bus to work, school and to see their friends to help cut congestion and improve air quality.”

The Executive Board meeting can be watched back on the GCP’s YouTube channel.