Councils asks for views on active travel proposals for Northwich

Cheshire West and Chester Council is asking for views on updated plans for two routes to boost active travel in Northwich town centre.

This project aims to create safer and more accessible routes for walking, cycling or wheeling from Northwich railway station to the town centre. The Council is now asking for feedback on these updated proposals.

Route A along Station Road/Witton Street provides a direct pedestrian route along Station Road, across Chester Way on to Witton Street to the town centre. For cyclists, a reduced speed limit to 20mph would improve the on-road route, but high traffic levels would remain.

Route B along Victoria Road and Kingsway provides an on-road cycle route with pedestrian improvements along Victoria Road and Kingsway. A new crossing over Chester Way to Church Road leads on to Witton Street to the town centre. For cyclists, this would be a quieter on-road route with less traffic, however it is less direct to reach the town centre.

Local residents who have completed the online survey and attended the public events suggested additional changes to the proposed plans for Route A and Route B.

The Council is now inviting further comments and the survey can be found here: 

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ActiveTravelRoutesNorthwich

Survey responses will help the Council find out if there is sufficient support for each proposal to be introduced.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said:

“Active Travel is about travelling to different places, usually by either walking, cycling or wheeling. This is typically for short or local journeys. Not only does this have great environmental benefits such as reduced carbon emissions, it also helps you get out and about.

“Thank you to everyone who took part in the public engagement in November and December last year.  This feedback was analysed and is being used to create detailed designs. Two routes were proposed and the intention is to deliver both.  Please complete the survey and let us know what you think.”

The deadline for responses for both routes is Wednesday 30 October 2024. 

Funding for the project was secured through Active Travel England.

Indicative programme:

• Active Travel England review of designs – scheduled for October 2024
• Detailed design progressing – scheduled for completion February 2025
• Additional works identified through public engagement
  • Speed survey on Kingsway completed – results analysed, one way proposal will be subject to consultation
  • Pedestrian survey on Victoria Road completed – results analysed, crossing location identified and will be subject to consultation
• Construction scheduled for February to June 2025