Work on next section of city centre walking and cycling route to begin in January

Work to provide an improved walking and cycling route between Plymouth Rail Station and Exeter Street will begin on Monday 6 January.

Part of the Council’s Plymotion scheme, the improvements will deliver the next section of the new west-to-east route from Stonehouse to Plympton and Plymstock via Laira Rail Bridge, which will be opened to pedestrians and cyclists in 2015.

They include a new zebra crossing on Ebrington Street and better crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists at each end of Hampton Street.

The existing shared pedestrian and cycle path on the northern side of Exeter Street will be extended and a wide uphill cycle lane will be created on Hampton Street, which will continue westwards along Regent Street. The route will then lead cyclists and pedestrians over the crossing outside the Central Library and through the Plymouth University campus.

Construction of the scheme is expected to take 12 weeks and is being carried out by Amey, the Council’s highways contractor.

It will include a three-night closure of the junction of Hampton Street and Regent Street, probably in late February. There will also be a period of around four weeks when part of Ebrington Street (between Hampton Street and Hill Street) will only be open to inbound traffic (vehicles heading towards the city centre from the east). This is expected to be in March.

The Council is delivering letters to residents and businesses in the area about the works and local bus companies have been informed. The exact dates for these restrictions will be advertised with on-street signs and press notices two weeks in advance and alternative access routes will be clearly signed. There will also be signs letting people know that businesses are open as usual.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport said: "These improvements should make a big difference for people walking and cycling through this busy part of the city. Plymouth has seen around a 30 per cent increase in cycling over the last four years – even more in areas where new infrastructure has been provided – and we hope this scheme delivers similar results. We will be monitoring traffic flow during the works to ensure we are doing everything we can to minimise delays.”

Full details of the scheme, including details of consultation carried out in the spring and autumn, are available at www.plymouth.gov.uk/plymotionstationexeterstreet. For more information contact Plymouth Transport and Highways on 01752 668000 or email plymouth.watchman@amey.co.uk.