National Highways has created a new cycle path that will fill in the missing link between two existing routes alongside the A500 in Staffordshire.
Thanks to the £490,000 scheme in Stoke-on-Trent, cyclists can now follow a safer and continuous route adjacent to the A500 as it links the National Cycle Network Route 5 with the City Road cycle path.
The footpath at Whieldon Road, which travels underneath the A500 Queensway dual carriageway, has been upgraded to accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians.
National Highways Programme Delivery Manager, Jessica Kenny, said:
“At National Highways, our work goes beyond operating, maintaining and improving roads. We invest in the environment and communities surrounding our network, as well as the people travelling and working on it.
“We want our roads to be safe and accessible for all road users and this scheme will support both cyclists and pedestrians using this route.
“As well as offering a safer route alongside our road, the benefits of encouraging and enabling more cycle use are clear – healthier lifestyles, better for the environment and reduced congestion.”
National Highways, which is responsible for motorways and major A roads, has also improved some of the lighting as well as adding new signage and markings to make people aware of the new cycle route which runs for around half a kilometre.
Dropped kerbs have been extended at the crossing point on Whieldon Road and, to help pedestrians with visual impairments, additional textured pavements have been installed at the crossing.
Some of the greenery along the A500 southbound exit slip has been cut back and replaced with fencing to improve visibility for cyclists as they join Whieldon Road from the NCN 5 cycle path.
The work was carried out throughout March and the new cycle path is now open.
