What will be implemented?

The main features of the scheme are as follows:

• Two-way segregated cycleway along the majority of the route.
• New pelican crossing adjacent to the business park, connecting to the primary school.
• Raised junctions to provide safe crossings for pedestrians and cycle users.
• Junction improvements at Froghall Lane.

Trees will have to be removed as part of this scheme but replanting will be scheduled.

How does it affect you?

Walking and Wheeling

The footway will be resurfaced, creating a smoother and safer pavement for everyone.

A signalised crossing will be introduced, providing safe crossing of Bewsey Road, particularly for those wishing to access the primary school. People walking and wheeling get the green signal to cross whilst all motorised vehicles are stopped at a red light.

Raised crossings at side roads will give pedestrians and cycle users priority, ensuring a safer crossing point as vehicles will give way.

Crossings will be improved at Froghall Lane junction. There will be crossings to provide places to cross the cycle track.

The segregated nature of the cycle track will reduce conflict between pedestrians and cycle users, improving safety for pedestrians.

Cycling

A two-way segregated cycle route will connect the CYCLOPS junction at Lovely lane to the improvements at Froghall lane junction. There is only a short stretch of shared use paths and this will be signed accordingly. In a shared uses area pedestrians have priority, and cyclists should give way.

Cycle track will connect the town centre to Bewsey with links to existing infrastructure, providing onwards connections to other locations such as Great Sankey, Omega, Gemini,  Westbrook and Callands.

Driving

People driving will notice the road surface will be much smoother as it will be resurfaced. The lane widths will be narrower, but they are appropriate for the road type and there is no reduction in capacity. On street parking is not affected by the scheme.

Drivers will need to give way to pedestrians and cycle users at the side road junctions where they have priority.

Where will the improvements be?

The Bewsey Road scheme will link the cyclops junction at Lovely Lane with Froghall Lane towards the town centre. We will also improve the Froghall Lane junction as part of the Bewsey Road Corridor scheme.

Why will it be done?

This project aims to make walking and cycling safer and more accessible for both children and adults in Warrington, while also improving travel options for individuals using mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

The aims of objectives of this scheme are to:

• Improve access to the town centre by active modes.
• Improve safety for all road users by segregating modes and reducing conflict
• Improve public realm, making the corridor a nicer place to pass through and dwell in.
• Safer access to the primary school using the pelican crossing.
• Links to wider improvements including the CYCLOPS junction at Lovely Lane.

What about the rest of Warrington, what else is being done to improve walking, wheeling and cycling?

At the moment there is no formal cycle way along Bewsey Road, however the roads and footpaths are wide.

This route is unique as there are multiple land uses including residential homes, businesses and a school. Therefore, people access the route for many different reasons and this scheme will provide a safe, additional option to travel here.

The route is also an important strategic connection to the  town centre to north Warrington areas and will provide a safe walking and cycling route into the town centre for many Warrington residents.

When will it be done?

Construction dates

Currently exact dates are unknown for the construction of this scheme. However, construction is programmed to start early 2025 and be completed summer 2025.

How long will construction take?

Currently exact dates are unknown for the construction of this scheme. However, construction is programmed to start early 2025 and be completed summer 2025.

How much disruption and delay to traffic will be caused by the works?

Will there be road closures/diversions?

There will be disruption caused by traffic management/ lane closures/ road closures however these are necessary and will be kept to a minimum to complete the scheme and for the safety of the workforce.

The details will be finalised with the contractor when they are onboard in programming the works.

All road closures will be notified on site and via letter to properties in close proximity in advance and will also be publicised on the scheme website.

How will this scheme be funded?

Funding streams

The funding comes from a combination of successful bids to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and the Department for Transport (DFT) / Active Travel England (ATE).

This project is made up of funding from two different streams the Town Deal and Active Travel Fund 4.

Warrington Town Board is a group of business, political, leisure, cultural, community and education leaders. In February 2022, our Town Deal took a huge step forward, with confirmation that the £22.1m funding for all seven projects was given the go-ahead by The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). One of these seven projects is a Sustainable Travel Programme which the Bewsey Road scheme falls under.

The Active Travel Fund (ATF) is a grant fund from the government’s Department for Transport (DfT) that supports local transport authorities with developing and constructing walking and cycling facilities.

Costs

The estimated scheme cost is £1.5-1.6m.