A POPULAR route for walkers and cyclists is to be widened and resurfaced in the latest phase of improvements.
Work is due to begin on Monday, May 22, to widen a 550-metre long section of footpath on the Great Central Way, between Gilmorton Avenue and the city border, providing more space and a smoother surface for walkers and cyclists.
The improvements will continue the work carried out last year between Gilmorton Avenue and Soar Valley Way, which included widening of the footpath, along with removal of barriers at access points to the route on Soar Valley Way and Gilmorton Avenue, in order to provide easier access for all users.
The route is a well-used link between the Everards Meadows development, Leicester city centre and residential areas of Glen Parva.
The work will be undertaken by Leicester City Council, and the first phase is due to take seven weeks. Some temporary footpath closures will be needed while the work is carried out, and alternative routes will be signposted.
During the works, the pathway will be closed to all users from 7.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The scheme will cost £343,000 and is funded as part of an award agreement from the Department of Transport to cycling charity Sustrans.
Leicester deputy city mayor for transportation, climate emergency and clean air, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “The Great Central Way is a very popular route and an integral part of the city’s cycling and walking network, connecting Leicester with neighbouring parts of the county.
“We’ve been making improvements to it in phases for some time, including resurfacing and widening work, and also the installation of the Marsden Lane ramp to connect the Grand Union Canal and Great Central Way.
“This latest work will continue to improve the route and make it more easily accessible for all users.”
The Great Central Way follows the line of the former Great Central Railway and forms part of the Sustrans national cycle network, four miles of which are within the city itself.
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