The county council is to pay for improved cycling routes around Ely and will shortly be undertaking works on Beech Lane, Deacons Lane and New Barns Road to install traffic calming measures.
Work on improving the route for cyclists along High Barns and New Barns Road starts on January 29 and is expected to be completed within six weeks.
The new scheme was identified in the Ely Market Town Transport Strategy and agreed upon after consultation with local residents.
It will include the change in priority of the junctions to Deacons Lane and Beech Lane with New Barns Road becoming one-way between Newnham Street and Deacons Lane, plus the tightening of the kerb line to reduce traffic speeds.
The southernmost section of New Barns Road will be one-way for cars with a cyclist contra-flow permitted, enabling cyclists to travel in both directions. A series of road cushions are to be installed along New Barns Road to reduce the speed of drivers using the road.
Although the roadworks will only be carried out during normal working hours of 7am to 4pm under temporary traffic lights, due to the extensive nature of the work there will be a one-week road closure on New Barns Road starting on Monday February 19.
No through-traffic will be permitted during the road closure and diversions will be signposted with local access maintained wherever possible.
On-street parking will not be permitted during the works, and all residents are kindly asked to make sure vehicles are removed before 07:00 to ensure works are not held up.
The one way system will become live on Sunday February 25.
East Cambs Councillor Lis Every said: “We’ve been working with residents to understand how we can improve the environment for cyclists and pedestrians, and are continually looking at how to ease congestion. I’m delighted that these improvements will soon be completed.”
Councillor Mathew Shuter, chairman of the county highways committee, said: “This new scheme will make it safer for all road users, whilst helping cyclists and pedestrians travel around Ely more easily.
“We identified how important it was to improve visibility at these junctions while the road cushions will work to reduce vehicle speeds.”
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