Signs have been erected warning Exeter residents that roadworks to create a new cycle track will begin next month and take a whole year to complete. It follows a public consultation that was carried out by Devon County Council (DCC) in spring 2022 to create a segregated cycle route along Rifford Road.
Works will commence on March 11 and advanced warning signs state they will last for 52 weeks. The construction costs of the cycle track are estimated to be £1.55 million.
The scheme is part of an initiative launched by DCC to deliver a new, largely flat north-to-south two-way cycle route connecting the Beacon Heath area, and communities on route, to the Riverside Valley Park, Exe Estuary Trail and employment at Marsh Barton Industrial Estate.
Read next:
It is being delivered in phases and the latest is a 700m two-way cycle track on the eastern side of Rifford Road between Honiton Road and Ludwell Lane. People walking and cycling will have their own dedicated space and will have priority when crossing the side roads, some uncontrolled crossings and a parallel crossing.
Buildouts and raised tables will also be improved. As part of the proposal, some junctions will also be narrowed to reduce vehicle speeds and crossing distances for people walking and cycling.
To deliver the new cycle track, DCC has confirmed it will be necessary to remove the central hatched area of the road. Traffic lanes and on-street parking bays will then be moved across to provide the space for the new off-road cycle track.
It will also be necessary to remove 16 on-street car parking spaces. Four of these lost spaces are due to the provision of new driveways which were requested by residents during the informal consultation.
It is proposed to carry out the necessary driveway works at the same time as delivering the new cycle track as it provides better value for money to all parties and removes the need for future disruption.
