New Willenhall cycle scheme set to get under way
Work will start tomorrow on a new cycle scheme in Willenhall which will 'increase accessibility for people in the area', according to a senior councillor.
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The Rose Hill to Pinson Road work is due to get underway on Monday (April 28).
The 1.2km route will comprise of a segregated cycleway and shared walking and cycling path between Pinson Road and the Rose Hill and Bilston Lane junction.
It is part of an integrated scheme which was first announced as part of the Government's Active Travel fund, distributed by the Department for Transport, with Walsall getting £2.85m as its share of the money.
The scheme will connect to the Noose Lane to Pinson Road cycle scheme, which is currently under construction, and aims to provide an onward dedicated cycle link between Wolverhampton and Walsall.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, associate leader of Walsall Council said: “With the construction of the new Willenhall Station, now is the right time to increase accessibility in Willenhall for local people.
“This scheme, along with the other transport schemes currently being delivered in Willenhall, will help make cycling more direct, safe and attractive. Improving our connectivity across the borough and the wider Black Country means more opportunities for local people to travel for work and leisure.”
To minimise traffic disruption, a temporary one-way system will be implemented on B4464 Somerford Place, New Road and Bilston Street/Rose Hill.
During the first phase of the work, there will be a 24-hour lane closure for westbound traffic along New Road with eastbound traffic being diverted along A454/Bilston Lane/Rose Hill towards Dale Island.
Temporary traffic management arrangements will be linked to the works for the Noose Lane to Pinson Road cycle scheme and the associated Section 278 highway works for the forthcoming Willenhall Railway Station. Both schemes are already under construction with associated traffic management already in place.
Councillor Andrew added: "In Walsall, the health and wellbeing of adults and children could be improved and encouraging more people to walk and cycle can help achieve this.
"Providing the right infrastructure can help make cycling and walking for short trips an easy option for local residents."
