A new ten-year plan for Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset aims to introduce safer walking and cycling routes for the town’s residents. The local cycling and walking infrastructure plan (LCWIP) published by Somerset Council focuses on assessing the existing active travel network in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge. This initiative seeks to identify and prioritize necessary improvements to facilitate sustainable and greener transportation, combating congestion and pollution amid local housing growth.
The plan encompasses several key aspects:
LCWIPs serve as long-term strategies to enhance walking and cycling networks within major settlements, aiming to reduce dependence on private vehicles for daily commutes and local facilities access. The development of these plans involves input from local community networks, cycling charities, and campaign groups affiliated with the council.
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By having comprehensive plans in place, the council can pursue funding for identified improvements, either through grants from the central government or financial contributions from upcoming housing developments. The publication of similar plans for surrounding areas within Somerset, including Bridgwater, Frome, Taunton, and Yeovil, as well as the broader plan for the former Mendip area, enhances the region’s overall active travel network.
The newly revealed plan for Burnham-on-Sea has been released in conjunction with LCWIPs for Chard and Wellington, accentuating the adaptability of the plans to accommodate evolving local needs and funding availability.
The LCWIP specifically identifies a “core walking zone” within town centers as a prime focus for infrastructure enhancements, which may involve implementing lower speed limits, reconfiguring junctions for improved safety, expanding or constructing new pavements, and facilitating smoother connections with other transportation modes.
The plan prioritizes four main walking routes, strategically linking existing and forthcoming housing developments with essential local services and amenities. These routes are designed to encourage sustainable travel and seamless access to work and other facilities. Additionally, the plan outlines potential extensions for certain routes to align with future housing developments and optimize connectivity.
The identified routes are as follows:
- Route 1: B3140 Berrow Road between Brent Road and Victoria Road
- Route 2: Marine Drive and Burnham Road between Marine Drive and North Avenue
- Route 3: The eastern edge of Burnham-on-Sea, spanning Stoddens Lane, Love Lane, Frank Foley Parkway, and Pepperall Road
- Route 4: Bennett Road and B3139, catering to the Isleport Grove estate and providing access to rail travel
Each route’s improvement recommendations are tailored to address existing challenges and enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.
The plan underscores the potential for securing funding to initiate the proposed improvements, citing a recent additional allocation from Active Travel England towards active travel enhancements across Somerset. The council will utilize this funding to progress identified improvements within Burnham-on-Sea and other specified areas.
This grant stipulates strict timelines for project commencement and completion, ensuring timely implementation of the outlined active travel enhancements for the benefit of Burnham-on-Sea residents.