Funding approved for cycle scheme in Albion Way

Funding for seven temporary cycleway schemes in West Sussex has been approved by the Department for Transport.

The decision is set to result in miles of new or improved cycle lanes to promote cycling to enable sustainable travel choices on key commuting routes to relieve the pressures on public transport and as an alternative to the car.

One of West Sussex County Council’s schemes is for Albion Way in Horsham with an estimated cost of £14,800.

Lane one will be reallocated in both directions. The scheme comprises segregated cycle lanes and is expected to be a temporary change but could be made permanent if there is demand.

Roger Elkins, cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “This is excellent news and a testament to the hard work put in by our highways and transport officers to produce a successful submission to a tight deadline.

“The schemes will provide improved travel choice for both residents and visitors and help to link commuting destinations in each of the county’s borough and district areas as the Government eases lockdown in the COVID-19 crisis.”

Design work on the schemes is ongoing. Details could be subject to change up to and including the construction stage. Timescales for when the schemes have to be started are tight and written descriptions, maps and plans are all indicative and could change as scheme designs are more fully developed.

They will involve a combination of temporary traffic management, such as cones and signing, light segregation using ‘traffic wands’, planters, water-filled barriers, road markings and temporary 20mph speed limits in some cases.