WORK is complete on an ambitious scheme to transform a stretch of road linking Leicester’s Golden Mile to the city centre.
Over the last two and a half years, Leicester City Council has created a safer and more attractive route for pedestrians and cyclists between Haymarket Bus Station to Belgrave Circle.
The final phase of work, which has been completed this month, saw improvements made to Burleys roundabout, where a new shared footpath and cycleway now run beneath the flyover.
This links to a new cycle track and improved footpath that has been created along the central reservation Burleys roundabout and the improvements made to Belgrave Circle, following the removal of the flyover.
The stretch of road, including the roundabout, has been completely resurfaced heling improve this busy route for all road users. New crossings have also been installed.
A previous phase of work created new cycle tracks between Abbey Street and Burleys Way, with footpaths reconstructed in high quality resin bound gravel.
As part of the latest phase of work, striking new artwork now decorates the flyover columns at Burleys Flyover, as part of the latest collaboration between Leicester City Council and local street art specialist Graffwerk.
Around 16 new trees will be planted in the immediate area in the coming weeks.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This important scheme has created a safer and much more attractive route linking the city centre to the Golden Mile and Abbey Park.
“These major attractions are just a 15-minute walk from the Clock Tower, and we want to encourage more people to make that short journey by foot or by bike. The new route – which makes excellent use of the previously redundant space under Burleys Flyover – will help do that.
“It is absolutely vital that we continue to invest in improving our streets and providing the infrastructure needed to encourage more people to make the switch to healthier, cheaper and more sustainable forms of transport.”
Deputy city mayor Cllr Adam Clarke added: “Investing in sustainable transport to support the future growth of the city is a key element of Climate Emergency strategy and our aim to be a carbon neutral city by 2030, or sooner.
“The work on Belgrave Gate has transformed a route that may well have daunting to novice or less confident cyclists into a much more appealing, direct and safe route that I would encourage anyone to try by bike.
“It’s another step in the right direction towards a better connected, lower carbon and more people-friendly city.”
The overall Belgrave Gate improvement scheme has cost £2million and has been mostly funded with Government cash through the Transforming Cities Fund and the Local Growth Fund, through Leicester and Leicester Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).