New road safety measures and road resurfacing works are to be carried out on a busy route on the outskirts of Leicester.
A zebra crossing and speed humps are due to be installed on the Bowhill Grove area of Scraptoft Lane, in the city's Thurncourt ward, which is part of a busy pedestrian route to both Scraptoft Valley Primary School and Orchard Mead Academy.
That section of Scraptoft Lane currently has no crossing facilities, and ward councillors have been calling for improvements to road safety.
Leicester City Council will install a raised zebra crossing along with two sets of speed cushions on the approach to the crossing. As part of the same programme of work, extensive resurfacing work will take place.
Work begins in October. From October 3 to 16, work to install the zebra crossing will take place, with temporary traffic lights in place to allow the work to be done safely.
The second phase of work, concentrating on resurfacing Scraptoft Lane between Nursery Road and Bowhill Grove within the city boundary will take place from October 17 to 21, during which time Scraptoft Lane will be closed to all traffic. Local diversions will be signposted.
Installation of the two sets of speed cushions will follow in December.
Letters have been sent out to residents ahead of work starting.
The decision to install a zebra crossing and speed humps follows local consultations in which the majority of residents who replied (78 percent) supported the proposed improvements.
The installation work will cost about £65,000 and is funded from the Transport Improvement Works budget in the council’s capital programme. The resurfacing works, costing £110,000, are paid for through the council’s Highway Maintenance Capital Budget.
Leicester deputy city mayor for transport, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “We’ve looked closely at the layout of this road and where the best location would be for traffic calming measures and a zebra crossing.
“It is busy stretch of road, and it is vital that people feel they can cross it safely. Installing these measures will improve road safety and hopefully encourage more people to use the route to walk or cycle to school as a result.
“We are taking the opportunity to carry out much-needed road resurfacing work at the same time, to ensure the road remains fit to withstand the wear and tear from traffic and all weathers.”
Local ward councillor Teresa Aldred welcomed the measures. She added: “Residents have called for a crossing here, due to it being a route for children at the local schools. I welcome these safety measures and I look forward to seeing this scheme go ahead.”
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