Work to begin on £8.6m Sheffield to Rotherham cycle path

The Sheffield Road Cycleways scheme has been funded via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, and will see new segregated cycle tracks extending the existing route from the Sheffield boundary near Magna through to Rotherham town centre.

The cycle tracks will link through to new cycle lanes and pedestrian improvements on Sheffield Road and Westgate in the town centre

The revised plans are also expected to increase the number of parking bays along Sheffield Road and Westgate, and a 20mph limit will be introduced on Westgate.

A two-metre wide advisory cycle lane will be incorporated along Westgate leading to the junction with Main Street, with a single carriageway in the middle.

Rotherham Council say vehicles will be able to pass using the full width of the road.

Councillor Dominic Beck, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for transport and the environment, , said: “We listened to residents and business feedback and have made substantial changes to the original proposals for this stretch of cycle route.

“This proposal means a minimal impact on motorists, while still meeting the need to ensure that the new housing developments along Sheffield Road are not entirely dependent on cars for travel, and putting the government’s funding for cycle routes to good use.”

“Completing the latest phases of Sheffield Road Cycleways will be a great achievement as it provides a safe and pleasant cycling environment and connects developing communities along the route, reducing air pollution, congestion and supporting healthy lifestyles.”

Construction will begin in spring and is expected to last for 15 months.