A £500,000 scheme to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists in Clevedon is set to start after Easter.
The improvements are part of the eagerly anticipated Pier to Pier Way between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon which will be completed in the summer providing an attractive new route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders between the two towns.
The Clevedon scheme, which includes a range of improvements to the Beach/Hill Road, aims to encourage more walking and cycling in the town as part of North Somerset Council’s commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and tackling the climate emergency.
The scheme includes:
- a 20mph speed limit
- pavement widening and better crossings facilities
- more seating and greenery
- more car parking overall through new spaces on Elton Road
- dedicated loading bays for delivery drivers
- cycle lanes and cycle parking on Hill Road and The Beach
- one-way roads on key streets to promote simplified road layout, pedestrian priority and better road safety.
Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member with responsibility for sustainable travel said: “We consulted extensively on the draft proposals in April 2021 and the scheme was amended with local input and knowledge from residents and businesses.
This scheme is backed by local councillors, Clevedon Town Council, Clevedon Business Improvement District (BID) and the Pier Trust. Many other interested parties have also helped with the development of the scheme and are in favour of the amended improvements.
We feel we have the right scheme now and have changed the timescales for implementing it in order to minimise any disruption to businesses during the busy summer and holiday periods.
Work to improve Hill Road will begin after the Easter holidays and take up to eight weeks to complete. Improvements to The Beach will start in the Autumn when footfall is lowest and take around eight weeks to complete.
The works will avoid all key holiday dates in order to minimise the impact on local businesses and retain enjoyment of the area during the Summer.