WIRRAL Council is asking for opinions on plans to upgrade an existing cycle lane connecting the world famous Birkenhead Park to the nearby docks. The plans could see new pedestrian crossings too as part of the upgrade to the route along Duke Street, Birkenhead.
The local authority will fund any changes made to the road through funding from the Department for Transport and the Liverpool City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. Funding for the schemes will not come from Wirral Council Tax and the money can only be spent on schemes that will improve walking and cycling safety.
The council asked people for thoughts on the plans between Ashville Road down to the bridge on Duke Street across the docks in 2021 but changes to include pedestrian improvements at the junction between Duke Street and Price Street were not included. The council said opinions will be taken into account before a decision is made.
Proposals put forward by the council include the installation of black and white bollards called “Wand Orca” which aim to separate cyclists from vehicle traffic. Changes will also be made restricting parking along Duke Street.
These parking changes will see double yellow lines introduced along most of the road while a section between Lifestyle Express and Dial-A-Mattress and Beds will allow for parking for 90 minutes with no return within an hour. Census 2021 data shows that the percentage of households without a car in the area surrounding the route ranges between 30% to over 60%.
Wirral Council said the route along Duke Street is “a key transport corridor and improvements to this corridor will improve traffic management and active travel and will support regeneration by connecting new development sites at Wirral Waters to Birkenhead Park and Birkenhead Park rail station.”
The route was included as part of a wider strategy looking at introducing 28 cycle lanes across the borough over the next 15 years. The route upgrade along Duke Street is expected to be delivered in the next three years along with several other routes in Birkenhead town centre.
Information on the plans can be found on the council’s website.
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