Works are set to get underway on a new 1.4 mile route for cycling, walking, and wheeling on North Walney, Barrow-in-Furness.

From Tuesday, August 27, crews will start work on the scheme by Westmorland and Furness Council.

It will create a dedicated and safe space for residents of North Walney to 'travel actively' into Barrow town centre, surrounding residential areas, and local schools.

The route will start at Earnse Bay, with new cycling infrastructure developed in verge space along West Shore Road, fully separating cyclists from vehicles.

The path from Vickerstown Park to the Jubilee Bridge junction on the Promenade will be upgraded through resurfacing and will be widened to three metres.

Plans also include improvements to bus stops and lighting along the route, the installation of new dedicated crossings on Mill Lane, and traffic calming measures on the access road to the cut adjacent to Vickerstown Park.

New benches and attractive planting will also be introduced along the route, as well as the creation of a rain garden on the corner of Mill Lane.

The £1.5 million scheme will be funded by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund.

(Image: Westmorland & Furness Council)

Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for transport and regulatory services, councillor Neil Hughes, said: "It is the council’s ambition to get more people out cycling and walking for leisure and for everyday short journeys.

"To achieve this, it is important we continue to invest in building a network of sustainable cycling, walking, and wheeling routes that people feel safe when using.

"This new route on North Walney will support our communities to ‘actively’ access the growing opportunities in Barrow-in-Furness through improved connections between neighbourhoods and key employment and education sites, making journeys by bike or on foot easier, safer and more enjoyable."

Walney Island ward councillors Therese Assouad, Frank Cassidy, and Anita Husband said in a joint statement: "We think the new cycleway will prove to be a big hit with people of all ages.

"The section through Vickerstown Park, in particular, has been subtly designed to improve this part of the island and we are looking forward to work starting soon."

Traffic disruption is anticipated to be minimal throughout the entirety of the works and any impact will be pre-advertised via signage.

The infrastructure is being designed for all people of all abilities and ages so they can choose to walk, wheel, or cycle with ease.

The North Walney active travel scheme forms a part of the council’s cycling and walking programme to identify, develop, and secure funding to deliver infrastructure improvements identified in the Westmorland and Furness local cycling and walking infrastructure plans.