Following feedback from the public, Cumbria County Council will be making improvements to the new Barrow cycle lanes along Bridge Road and Michaelson Road in the coming weeks.

The county council in partnership with Barrow Borough Council developed a Local Cycling Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Barrow, with the Active Travel Fund providing the first funding investment to build cycle paths along Bridge Road and Michaelson Road.

Local firm, Story Contracting Ltd will refine the design of the project with work starting the end of the month, and scheduled to be complete by Christmas, weather dependent. Works will be carried out Monday to Friday, from 8am – 5pm.

The improvements of the cycle track designs will include:

• Adding new white lines on the footway next to Michaelson Road to provide a clear separation between pedestrians and cyclists.
• Redesigning the layout on Bridge Road, with removal of 50 meters of bollards on Bridge Road, reinstating two lanes for vehicles on the approach to the traffic lights leading to Jubilee Bridge and North Road and moving the cycle lane on to the footway.
• Improve drainage of standing water on the cycle paths

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:

“I am pleased that we were able to work with the Barrow Local Committee and quickly put their suggestions into action.”

“We have listened to feedback, and will implement enhancements to the cycle lanes, at the end of November, to make a number of changes and improvements. We apologise for any disruption caused by this project, which was implemented with the best of intentions following consultation and we will continue to keep this under review and listen to feedback.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience, and support for this project.”

Cllr Kevin Hamilton, Chairman of Barrow Local Committee, said:

“Earlier in the year, the Local Committee recommended to remove some of the bollards from Bridge Road and to relocate the cycle lane onto the pavement, reinstating two lanes for vehicles on the approach to the traffic lights leading to Jubilee Bridge and North Road. We are pleased that this and other improvements will now be happening, as these enhancements will benefit the locals, especially BAE employees.

“These adaptions should help the traffic flow much easier and will help to encourage more people to walk or cycle for shorter journeys. Getting active is hugely beneficial for both our mental and physical health – helping reduce stress and ward off other illnesses. Walking and cycling also improves air quality and will help to reduce congestion within Barrow.”