Plan to widen path on busy route approved

The council said the project would improve safety for everyone

A council scheme that aims to improve cycling and pedestrian safety in Nottinghamshire has been given the go-ahead.

The scheme will see the path along the A612 in Colwick transformed into a three-metre wide shared use walking and cycling track.

Nottinghamshire County Council said the project would begin in February and last for 23 weeks.

The scheme will be funded by the government's Transforming Cities Fund.

The route between First Avenue and Private Road No.1 will see narrow lanes introduced to allow works to take place safely, the council said.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place for the final four weeks of construction.

'Great link'

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, the authority's cabinet member for transport and environment, said: "This is great news for walking and cycling in the area as the newly-resurfaced and widened path will improve safety for all.

"Currently, the path is narrow and so widening it will improve the ease of use for existing users while also encouraging new users to make use of this facility.

"The path is a great link for communities getting to work or shopping at Victoria Retail Park and it is great news that these works can take place without significantly impacting on motorists travelling along the A612."

The council said the project would connect the area to other upgrades made from the city centre to Nottingham Racecourse.

Seventeen trees will need to be removed to allow works to take place, while 15 new trees will be planted as replacements.

Eleven of the trees requiring removal are susceptible to ash dieback and two others are considered to be dead specimens, said the council.

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