New Street, Cycle Route

About the Scheme

The scheme (hybrid cycleway) was located between Anglia Ruskin University at Rectory Lane and Victoria Road. The previous on-road facility was advisory-only, was of insufficient width and was often blocked by parked vehicles in places. This scheme provided one- way, raised, coloured hybrid cycle tracks along both sides of New Street for the majority of the length between Rectory Lane and Victoria Road with short sections of improved advisory. 

The works 

Preliminary work commenced early November 2019 and was carried out overnight to minimise inconvenience during the construction period as it was necessary to close block sections of New Street overnight in phases. Access to all roads, residential properties and businesses along the route was maintained throughout. These improvements were completed by the end of May 2020.

A raised hybrid cycle track is a purpose-built track created next to the footway at a level that is above the carriageway but below the footway. This provides greater definition for cyclists and increases safety, reducing conflict with both pedestrians and vehicles. Red surfacing was also used to highlight the definition between the different uses and shaped kerbing to allow cyclists joining from side roads and vehicles to cross over and access private properties.

Works are now completed for this scheme which included the raised hybrid cycle track for Southbound cyclists and a combination of raised hybrid, segregated footway / cycleway and advisory at points for northbound cyclists. This was due to the interaction with existing properties and parking outside the shops, but this was also red in colour.

A developer funded parallel crossing was also installed just to the north of the Network Rail bridge outside the Marconi Development providing an east – west link between the River Chelmer and the railway station via Brook Street and the Marconi Housing Development / Mill Yard.

The original parking provision outside the shops between Marconi Road and Bishop Road was retained, lighting and signage along the road was upgraded and the signalised junction at Victoria Road amended to provide improved provision for cyclists on the approach to the junction.

The scheme linked with an existing route through the university to the north and access into the City Centre via New Street and Tindal Square to the south.

The works were part of the £15 million Chelmsford City Growth Package of improvements designed to alleviate pressure on Chelmsford’s road network and encourage alternative forms of transport. This work formed part of a series of cycle improved proposals which took place such as (links – city centre cycle parking, Great Baddow to city centre, Great Waltham to city centre, city centre cycle connectivity).

The benefits

This quality cycling infrastructure between the university, transport hubs and the city centre will encourage cycling and help reduce congestion at peak times.

The raised hybrid cycle tracks, widened segregated cycleway footways, and enhanced advisory lanes will help create a visible high-profile, wider and safer cycleway along a strategically important route in the city centre.

The scheme sees over 0.5km of cycle route on the approach to the city centre, and in conjunction with other improvements makes cycling a more attractive option, improving health and wellbeing and discouraging car use.

This will also help relieve issues with parking capacity in and around the University.

 

This scheme was delivered as part of the Chelmsford City Growth Package. For information about the other schemes as part of this package, please visit Chelmsford City Growth Package.