Work is to begin on major improvements to walking and cycling routes along a busy road in Nottingham.
Nottingham City Council will spend £1.3m on Gregory Boulevard, between the A60 Mansfield Road and Noel Street.
The scheme, funded by the government and East Midlands Combined County Authority, will create 850 metres of cycle path, resurface the road and pavements, and upgrade existing crossings.
Construction will start from Monday and is expected to take about 13 months, finishing ahead of Nottingham’s annual Goose Fair at the end of September 2027.
As well as the cycle path and resurfacing work, the authority said it would add a new signal-controlled crossing for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as plants to help manage surface water and create habitat for wildlife.
The authority said temporary traffic lights, parking restrictions and short-term side road closures would be needed during construction, although only one junction would be shut at a time and diversion routes would be clearly signposted.
The work will run alongside a £2.6m upgrade of the Forest Sports Zone complex, the authority said.
In a consultation carried out by the city council earlier this year, more than two-thirds (69%) of respondents indicated they were supportive of the proposals.
Councillor Patience Ifediora, executive member for regional development, growth and transport at the council, said the work would “make a real difference, enabling people to get to work, school, the shops or for leisure without having to rely on a car”.
“We’re working hard to minimise disruption, including making sure we don’t work at the same time as Goose Fair, and we thank residents for their patience,” Ifediora said.
East Midlands mayor Claire Ward said the work would “make everyday journeys safer, easier and more reliable for everyone”.
“This project will also make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle locally,” she added.
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