New cycle route opens on Sutton Way Boulevard, Ellesmere Port

Cheshire West and Chester Council has opened a new cycle route along Sutton Way Boulevard in Ellesmere Port.

The scheme has made cycling and walking more accessible and the planting of new trees and hedgerows will promote a greener, more wildlife friendly roadside environment.

Construction work on the new 4.2km length of shared cyclist and pedestrian space along Sutton Way Boulevard was successfully completed in August and is now open for all to enjoy the freedom and health benefits that active travel can offer.

The works included upgrading controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings to toucan crossings.  A toucan crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing that also allows bicycles to be ridden across. (Since ‘two-can’ - both pedestrians and cyclists cross together - the name "toucan" was chosen for this type of crossing.)

Improved street lighting and signage has also been installed.  Hedgerow shrubs to create a green corridor with environmental benefits have been incorporated, which will be supplemented by additional planting and re-establishment of any failed shrubs during November 2020.

The scheme cost is around £820,000 consisting of £541,000 of funding secured from the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund and £281,000 from developer contributions.  The Council’s Active Travel forum played an important role in developing the scheme alongside key stakeholders and the local community.

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said: ““We’re committed to making walking and cycling easy and enjoyable for everyone and we want to support everyone who has made the decision to become more active during the Covid pandemic.

“This scheme has improved local connectivity, accessibility and mobility, most significantly in terms of improved access to employment, housing, training and education.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council has declared a Climate Emergency in the borough and is committed to supporting projects, such as this new cycle route, that will help west Cheshire to become carbon neutral by 2045.