Construction of a new two-way cycle path on Rifford Road in Exeter is due to start on Monday 11 March.
The scheme, which is funded by grants from the Active Travel Fund, Local Transport Plan and developer contributions, will develop a 700-metre traffic-free cycle route alongside the existing pavement on the eastern edge of Rifford Road. It will form part of the wider North-South route in the city, known as the E12.
In order to minimise disruption, construction will be undertaken in eight phases, working on sections of around 100 metres at a time.
This phased approach, starting on the section of Rifford Road between numbers 21 and 51, will reduce the impact on residential parking. It will also ensure the road remains open throughout construction, with temporary traffic lights in place.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:
“These changes are designed to provide a safer cycling environment along a busy road, while maintaining residents’ parking and access for two-way traffic. Every effort is being made to minimise disruption while this work is carried out but anyone who regularly uses this route should allow extra time for your journey.”
Councillor Marina Asvachin, County Councillor for Wonford and St Loyes, said:
“I’m really pleased that another important part of the cycle network across Exeter is being put in place. It is also great that at least some sections of the surface on Rifford Road will be getting some much needed TLC too. I’ve spoken to many residents there who have wished for a better road surface along there for quite some time now.”
On-street parking will remain available on the sections of the road in which work is not being carried out, and local businesses will remain open.
Some work will be undertaken across the full width of the road to remove the existing refuge islands and central hatching. The scheme on Rifford Road also involves:
- Moving parking bays on the east side of the road to the edge of the new cycleway;
- Upgrading the pedestrian crossing;
- Providing pedestrian and cycle priority raised table crossings across the side roads;
- Resurfacing some sections of the road;
- Upgrading street lighting along the length of Rifford Road.
Mac Plant Construction is carrying out the work on the scheme which is expected to be completed by spring 2025. Work is scheduled to take 52 weeks as we’re ensuring the road is kept open throughout the scheme. Rifford Road is a busy route used by around 6,000 vehicles a day, and while closing the road would reduce the duration of the scheme it was felt a closure would be more disruptive. It is also a key bus route and is used regularly by emergency services travelling to and from the hospital.
More information and further details of the work programme can be found at: https://www.devon.cc/riffordroad