Cheshire West and Chester Council has started the much-awaited improvement works on the St Anne Street/St Oswalds Way junction in Chester.

Work has recently started on phase one, widening the cycle track from Victoria Road down to St Anne Street so it is wide enough for two-way cycling and different types of bikes or mobility aids.

The in-house designed scheme is jointly funded by Active Travel England and the Emerging Pressures budget, following a successful funding bid by the Council's Transport Strategy and Highways teams.

The traffic signal equipment will be upgraded with separate crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. Additional crossings will be provided for pedestrians going to Chester Bus Interchange.

The project forms part of Cheshire West and Chester Council's sustainable transport programme - making walking, wheeling and cycling safer, easier and more accessible to all. The junction and cycle track are part of Chester's pink cycle route, one of 11 coloured cycle routes in the city.

The council's deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, transport and highways, Cllr Karen Shore said: "We received some very positive feedback during a recent engagement exercise with local residents and key stakeholders in the area, with two thirds of respondents to our survey agreeing or strongly agreeing with the junction proposals. 

"Over half of people thought the improvements would make active travel easier and safer in this area."

The phase one works will continue up to the Christmas roadworks embargo on 17 November. Additional work installing some street lighting in the footway areas will also continue up until Christmas.

Following the Christmas break, the main construction work will take place from 6 January until the end of April 2025.

Construction works will be procured through the Council's contractor, Colas, and their supply partners.