Repairs to Cambridge street forcing wheelchair users 'into road' take place
Work is set to last for at least a year
Up to 18 months of work to improve safety on a Cambridge street that's seeing wheelchair users end up in the road each day is continuing.
A trial of new measures on Sidgwick Avenue is set to be in place for at least a year, with construction taking place.
The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) said an average of 250 pedestrians, wheelchair users and people with pushchairs are forced into the road daily because of uneven and damaged pavements.
"Over 70% of people using Sidgwick Avenue walk or wheel," Councillor Brian Milnes, chair of the GCP, said.
“But because of the condition of the pavement, on average each day, 250 pedestrians or wheelchair users are being forced off the path and into the road.
"This trial is designed to make the avenue safer and more accessible for everyone while protecting the character of the street and the much-loved London Plane trees that line it."
Pothole repairs part of trial
Widened sections of the current footway, drop-down bollards and repairs to potholes and damaged road surfaces are some of the improvements being introduced through an experimental traffic regulation order.
Building work will take place within an eight-week period from Mondays to Fridays, with cyclist and pedestrian access unchanged.
The junction with Queen's Road and Silver Street will be temporarily closed with a diversion route along Newnham Road, Barton Road and Grange Road in place.
"During the trial we will be measuring the impact of the changes, through surveying users and monitoring road use, to help us evaluate the results and see what the benefits could be," Cllr Milnes said.
"We appreciate residents and users may be impacted during the works, and we ask for their tolerance and support while we try and improve their environment.”
The trial could last up to 18 months with feedback from residents, businesses and commuters travelling through the area expected.
Sidgwick Avenue forms part of the Comberton Greenway route, linking west Cambridge with key destinations including the University of Cambridge's West Campus and the city centre.