Frequently Asked Questions
Who is paying for the scheme?
The scheme is funded by Gloucestershire County Council, National Highways and Active Travel England.
Why are the improvements necessary?
Providing cyclists with a continuous dedicated route between Gloucester and Cheltenham will help make cycling and sustainable travel more appealing;helping to get people out of their cars and contributing to a reduction of congestion in the area. A safer route will help cyclists of all ages and abilities to travel around for school, work or leisure trips. In turn this will improve health and wellbeing in the community and addressing GCC’s carbon zero ambitions.
How does the scheme fit in with other proposals?
The proposals continue west from Elmbridge Court roundabout, linking directly from the cycle route that is currently under construction on the B4063 from Arle Court to Elmbridge Court (via Churchdown). There is a commitment for the cycle route to continue southbound from Estcourt Road Roundabout to Gloucester City Centre. Gloucestershire County Council have also committed to delivering a longer 26 mile cycle spine from Stroud to Bishops Cleeve.
The proposals are an important part of the Councils’ agenda for significantly improving ‘Active Travel’ across the County. ‘Active Travel’ is specifically walking and cycling as sustainable modes of travel, and in many cases requires reallocation of the available road space for segregated cycle paths. Bus Stops and bus routes across the County are also fundamental to the future of the transport network in Gloucestershire.
Will the scheme lead to a loss of plants and trees?
The scheme has been designed to limit the loss of hedgerows and trees wherever we can, with the majority of the scheme being making use of existing hardstanding and grass verges. Where the root protection zones of trees are potentially impacted, the design is being shaped to make sure the tree remains healthy and roots are not damaged.
There are however some instances between Greyhound Gardens and Old Cheltenham Road where highway trees will be affected on the north side of the road. We will look to replant or provide compensatory planting elsewhere wherever we can to try to minimise the impact.
What happens next?
Feedback from the consultation will be taken in to account, and changes made to the designs where appropriate. There will be a further consultation with those directly affected by the proposals, prior to appointment of the contractors. Following the confirmation of the contractors, there will be a 'Meet the Contractors' event, in advance of work commencing in 2023.