Major upgrade for popular cycle route

CYCLING facilities are being improved on a popular route at Birchwood, Warrington.
Highways England is upgrading the cycleway on the bridge which carries the A574 Birchwood Way over the M6, close to junction 21a. The safety barrier is also being improved and additional lights and cycle signs are being installed on the approaches to the bridge.
The project is one of 19 cycling schemes across the North West due to be completed this spring to make it easier for cyclists to use major A roads and cross motorway junctions.
Project manager Phil Tyrell said: “Cycling is growing in popularity both for commuter and leisure riders, as people look for ways to improve their health and reduce their impact on the environment.
“The improvements we’re making to the A574 will make it easier and safer for cyclists to cross the bridge over the M6, travelling between Birchwood and Warrington.”
A 24-hour closure of the footpath and cycleway along the northern side of the A574 Birchwood Way between Crab Lane and Lowes Farm Subway will be required from Tuesday March 29 for approximately two weeks. A local signed diversion route will be in place for pedestrians and cyclists.
Temporary lane closures on Fearnhead Lane and the A574 Birchwood Way will also be required between 9.30am and 3.30pm.
Highways England is carrying out more than 200 cycling projects across the country over the next five years after the government set up a £100 million dedicated fund for cycling in its Road Investment Strategy.
More than 40 schemes have now begun and are set to be completed this spring. Work will continue on the remaining projects between now and 2021.
The schemes will provide new cycling facilities which are safe, separate from traffic and can be used by cyclists of all abilities.
The first phase of the cycling programme will see cycle lanes and crossings created or improved at seven motorway junctions in the North West, and improvements will also be made on major A roads in the county.
The investment in cycling schemes supports the government’s ambition to encourage walking and cycling so that it becomes normal for short journeys or as part of a longer journey.