Old Shoreham Road cycle lane work gets underway

Motorists in Hove are facing congestion around one of the city’s busiest roads as work has begun on installing cycle lanes on a stretch of the Old Shoreham Road.

The work began earlier this week on the improvements to the road from BHASVIC and the junction of The Drive and Shirley Drive.

Temporary traffic lights are in use at the top of The Drive, which has been adding to congestion at rush hour times when traffic is at its highest on the road.

Almost £500,000 is being spent on the work, with the council receiving a £330,000 grant from sustainable transport charity Sustrans to go towards the project, which helps to link the seafront cycle network with the edge of the Downs.

The work, which will be suspended on 21st December until 3rd January, is expected to be completed by May 2012.

A number of Green Party councillors were active in saving the cycle lane on Grand Avenue and The Drive earlier this year, which had been earmarked for removal by the Conservatives in their pre-budget report in February.

Councillor Ian Davey, Cabinet Member for Transport and the Public Realm said: “This is a crucial east-west route across the city but traffic speed and volume can make it an uncomfortable place for cyclists and pedestrians. The proposed scheme will make Old Shoreham Road safer for everyone including young people using the many nearby schools.”

He added that the council is committed to improving cycling facilities in the city.

“When the Grand Avenue cycle lane was threatened last year there was a huge petition asking for the council to extend, rather than reduce, cycle facilities.

“We want to create legible and safe cycle lanes which link to existing routes and facilities and really improve everyone’s experience of moving around the city by bike.”

Related Posts:

• New cycle lane in Hove moves a step closer
• Cycle lane to be built on Old Shoreham Road
• Silhouettes of cyclists to appear in Brighton as part of safety campaign
• Cycle park to be installed at the front of Brighton station
• Residents urged to give views on Lewes Road proposals

Posted by Joseph Lewis on November 25, 2011. Filed under Council News,Featured,Hove. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry