Work to encourage walking and cycling in and around Cambridge has taken a major step forward.

Greater Cambridge Partnership’s (GCP) executive board has approved plans for three key schemes to proceed after members were presented with revised designs.

The board approved a proposed construction programme for the Greenways network as well as detailed proposals for two of the 12 active travel routes which will connect Fulbourn and Haslingfield to Cambridge.

The board approved the final detailed design for the Addenbrooke’s roundabout which would see significantly widened cycle lanes and footpaths on both sides of the Fendon Road arm of the busy junction.

The central island will be reduced in size to accommodate the upgraded active travel links while retaining the width of the lanes in the road for motor vehicles.

Proposals to improve road safety and walking, cycling and bus journeys along Hills Road have progressed to the next stage.

The board approved further detailed design and modelling work on proposals to enhance active travel journeys along Hills Road, including further options to improve the Lensfield Road/Gonville Place junction.

The scheme would retain key sections of bus lane, create better active travel links and a ‘cyclops’ junction at the Station Road and Cherry Hinton.

And the full business case for the Greenways – 12 new walking, cycling and, where appropriate, equestrian routes linking surrounding towns and villages to the city – was approved.

The board approved the outline business case for the Fulbourn Greenway, with amendments to the design of the junction of Teversham Road and Hinton Road as part of phase one.

The routing of the Haslingfield Greenway through Grantchester is proposed to continue whilst recognising the need to ensure the character of the village is protected.

Cllr Elisa Meschini, chair of the GCP’s executive board, said: “I am pleased the Board agreed to progress these key projects which will significantly improve road safety and walking and cycling routes across our region.

“It promises to be a busy year ahead for the GCP as we continue to deliver schemes that make it easier and safer for people to walk, cycle and travel by bus to work, school and to see their friends to help cut congestion and improve air quality.”

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