Work will begin next week on the latest stage of the Newtown Community Project, with further improvements planned to walking and cycling routes in the area.
The next phase of the scheme will be delivered in two stages and is designed to make journeys around Newtown easier, safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
The improvements will support walking and cycling, improve access to green spaces and help create a more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and businesses.
Once complete, the project will include a wide range of improvements, including:
- a new raised section of road to make it easier for people to cross Belmont Road
- new cycle parking in Belmont Road, by the park
- a new cycle crossing of Russell Street to access the route through the Triangle car park
- realignment of parking bays on Clifton Hill to maintain parking capacity whilst ensuring all users can use this length of road
- introducing wider pavements to make it easier to cross the road at the Belmont Road/Clifton Road junction
- increased community green space on Clifton Road and improved footway routes in this area
This next stage of the work will start on Monday 14 September and will focus on Belmont Road, Clifton Road and Clifton Hill.
It will include improvements at the Belmont Road, Clifton Hill and Clifton Road junction and is expected to take around five weeks to complete.
Roads will remain open for the majority of work, with multi-way temporary traffic lights in place for safety.
However, a three-night road closure and diversion will be needed towards the end of the five-week period so resurfacing and road marking can be carried out.
The second stage of the work is currently expected to start on Monday 12 October, subject to the first stage being completed as planned. This stage will also run for around five weeks and will focus mainly on the Clifton Road, Chute Street and Clifton Street junction.
Additional road marking improvements will also take place where Clifton Road meets Albert Street, Lower Albert Street and Portland Street.
Again, roads will remain open for the majority of the work with multi-way temporary traffic lights in place. However, a further three-night road closure and diversion is expected towards the end of the phase to complete resurfacing and road marking.
Traffic management arrangements will be closely monitored throughout the work and adjusted where necessary to help reduce disruption. The programme is weather dependent, and dates may be subject to change.
The scheme is funded by Sport England and is being delivered through a collaboration between Devon County Council and Exeter City Council’s Live and Move programme.
The project has been shaped by local people over the past five years through engagement with residents, businesses and community groups.
Work completed earlier this year delivered a range of improvements around Triangle Car Park, Russell Street and Clifton Hill.
These included upgraded walking and cycling routes, new cycle parking, improved uncontrolled crossing points, planting, better signage and changes to road layouts to make it easier and safer to move through the area.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:
“It’s great to see work continuing on the Newtown Community Scheme. This next phase will help make journeys around Newtown easier, safer and more accessible, while creating a more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and businesses.”
Exeter City Councillor Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for leisure services and healthy living, said:
“As the lead councillor overseeing this project for Exeter City Council, I am delighted to see the next phase getting underway.
“These improvements will make it safer and easier for people of all ages and abilities to walk, wheel and cycle through Newtown, delivering another positive result from the city and county councils working together with the local community.”
Councillor Thomas Richardson, Devon County Councillor for St Sidwell’s and St James, said:
“Thank you to the residents of Newtown for their continued patience. It’s exciting to see the next phase of the scheme get underway, bringing us closer to a quieter, more pleasant route for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Find out more at: https://liveandmove.co.uk/newtown/
