Cycle route improvement plans for Hartlepool under greener travel vision

A report from Hartlepool Borough Council chiefs looked at how they will use allocated government funding for the developments, which can only be used for local transport schemes.

This comes as part of the Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2011-2026, which sets out how a safe and sustainable transport system can be delivered within Hartlepool.

It also comes after the Government announced ambitious plans to improve cycle commuting in the UK.

Ministers are asking workers to consider cycling or walking to avoid public transport being crammed and road networks being clogged as people return to work.

And there are hopes this will serve as as a launchpad for a green travel revolution.

The Hartlepool Borough Council report from Tony Hanson, council assistant director for environment & neighbourhood services, which has been before the Neighbourhood Service Committee, outlines the projects currently pencilled in for the coming year.

It adds there is £719,000 of government funds allocated for the work from the Integrated Transport Block funding, which is shared between nine sections, including bus infrastructure, cycling schemes, road crossings and local safety schemes.

The report said: “The strategy continues to be kept under review within this time period, to ensure that it remains current, responding to any changes in circumstances and taking into account any revisions in guidance and best practice.

“The Local Transport Plan funding has enabled the Council to undertake a significant number of projects to help maintain and improve both our strategic and local road network.”

The plan includes work to improve cycle tracks and lanes in the borough such as the continuation of cycleway improvements to the A689 Cycleway Brenda Road to Burn Road, which started as part of the plan for the previous year.

Similarly there are funds allocated to continue work on the development of The Way of St Hild pilgrimage trail, along with work to King Oswy Drive cycle improvements.

Likewise plans are in place for new cycle parking facilities to be installed across the town such as at Fens Shops, Brougham School, Hartlepool College of Further Education and the Marina.

Funds are also earmarked as part of the plan to improve signage, such as in Seaton Carew to advertise tourism and parking.

There are also plans in place by the council to have electronic 20mph signage at school times at Fens School and Throston Grange Lane.

Allocations are in place to implement dropped kerbs for road crossings on Station Lane, Elizabeth Way, Ormesby Road and on Elwick Road by Ward Jackson Park.

Council chiefs will also look to use funding to carry out work at Archer Street car park, and upgrade the traffic signals for the A689/Sapper’s Corner.

Additionally plans are in place to carry out repairs, maintenance and upgrades to council owned bus shelters where required.

There is also potential funding allocations for other similar schemes and projects across the borough which are not yet identified or confirmed.

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