Published: Tuesday, 9th February, 2010 9:26am

Work to start on new cycle route

Comments (0) | Print | Email

WORKS will begin on a new cycle route and road crossing in Maidenhead on Monday.

The project, in the western end of Maidenhead, will benefit four nearby schools - Newlands Girls' School, Altwood CE Secondary, St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary and All Saints CE Junior - making it safer for pupils to cycle and walk to school.

The new route has been match-funded by the Royal Borough and the government's Link to School programme administered by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, with each contributing £170,000.

The improvements will include a path for cyclists on the public footpath connecting Farm Road and Newlands Drive, shared foot/cycle path along the A4 Bath Road between Cannon Lane and Westborough Road, toucan crossings over the A4 near Cannon Lane and Highway Road and modifications to the end of North Star Lane to create a through route for cyclists.

Lead member for highways and streetcare, Cllr Colin Rayner said: "There has been support from parents who appreciate the need for this initiative and I hope the new set-up will encourage more pupils, teachers and parents to walk or cycle to school.

"Other cyclists will benefit too as it will offer a convenient route towards the town centre, something this part of Maidenhead has been lacking."

Widening of the footpath between Newlands Drive and Farm Road is scheduled for during the school holidays starting April 6 and all work is expected to be completed in time for Walk to School week in May.