Work is underway on a project to widen a footpath from Bede Park to Evesham Road, providing more space for users of the popular route in and out of the city.
The scheme is widening the existing path from approximately 2.5m to between 3m and 3.5m where conditions permit.
Work will enable cyclists and pedestrians using the route to continue to do so safely while still social distancing. The route is a well-used link between the city centre, De Montfort University, Aylestone Meadows and residential areas of Rowley Fields and Braunstone.
The work got underway on Monday, September 21, and will be carried out in five phases over 17 weeks. There will also be some vegetation and tree clearance, and some lighting columns will be moved to enable work to take place.
Some temporary footpath closures are taking place during the works, with diversions in place.
Phase one is concentrating on the area between Evesham Road and Evelyn Drive, followed by the section from Evelyn Drive to Marlow Road.
The next to stages will focus on improving the section from Marlow Road and Upperton Road, followed by a final phase from Upperton Road to Bede Park.
Work will also be done to tackle four areas of Japanese Knotweed along the route.
The scheme will cost about £275,000 and is funded from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.
Leicester deputy city mayor responsible for environment and transportation, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “The path of the old Great Central Way train line is a very well-used route for cycling and walking, and connects routes through the city centre and beyond into the county.
“This work will help ensure that the path is cleared of encroaching vegetation and made wide enough to ensure it remains an attractive and safe route to use on foot on by bike, with room to enable social distancing.
“The phased work will mean diversions are in place to ensure the route remains open and accessible throughout.”
A map showing all the city’s key cycling routes is available here. https://www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/pop-up/
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