Plans to create a cycle and pedestrian path on a major A-road in Devizes have been revealed as a public consultation is launched.
Wiltshire Council is inviting residents, businesses, and road users to take part in a public consultation on a proposed shared use path for pedestrians and cyclists on the A361 London Road.
The proposed 3m-wide path would run along the north-western side of the road, between Brickley Lane and Windsor Drive, and replace the existing carriageway cycle lanes.
The plans involve a number of proposed changes to the road layout, including a new crossing, junction alterations, and kerb alterations, as well as changes to use of the pavement. On street parking will also be suspended on one stretch.
The council said it is intending to improve active travel options along this key corridor, enhancing connections between existing and planned housing developments – including Quakers Walk, Lay Wood, and Coate Bridge – and employment and retail areas such as Hopton Industrial Estate and the town centre.
Cllr Martin Smith, cabinet member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, said: “We’d like to hear from the people of Devizes and the surrounding areas on this proposed shared use path, which will help to make this road safer for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as linking developments such as Lay Wood and Quakers Walk with Hopton Industrial Estate, the town centre and schools.
“If we can encourage more people to leave their cars at home, we can also improve air quality in the town and help to ease traffic congestion.
“We recognise that there are some challenges with the proposed route, such as the listed Canal Bridge, where cyclists will need to dismount to continue over the bridge, but we are looking at longer-term solutions such as a new pedestrian and cycle bridge to address this.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible to ensure the final design reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.”
The plan also aims to provide safer active travel choices for pupils attending Trinity School and Devizes School.
The council says the north-western side of London Road has been chosen because it offers a more practical and consistent route than the south-eastern side of the road, and room can be made for a continuous 3m-wide shared use path (except at Canal Bridge) by reallocating existing road space, helping to maintain traffic flow.
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While the south-eastern side has some wider footways and fewer junctions, it also includes narrow sections near Quakers Road that would need footway widening and the removal of a key right-turn lane, which makes it less feasible and may cause additional congestion.
The works will see the creation of a new raised junction at Brickley Lane and Church Walk, and a crossing at Brickley Lane, linking the path to local schools and the town centre via Church Walk.
Further upgrades are planned for the existing shared use path between Windsor Drive and Horton Road, including improved crossings, clearer signage, and repositioned street lighting to enhance visibility and safety.
The consultation started on Thursday, June 26 and is set to conclude on Friday, August 8. The council has said that for people to study the plans and to share feedback with the council, they should go to https://wiltshirelcwip.commonplace.is/.
The consultation opened on Thursday, June 26, and is due to conclude in August.
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