Improving walking, wheeling and cycling in Northwich

Plans to improve pedestrian and cycling links are being shared in Northwich over the next three weeks.

The Council was awarded funding from Active Travel England to design and deliver a walking, wheeling and cycling route connecting Northwich Railway Station to the town centre. 

Proposals include improved pedestrian crossing points at side roads, reduced speed limits to make on-road cycling safer, a new signalised crossing for pedestrians and cyclists over Chester Way, improved public realm and crossing at the at Venables Way junction with Witton Street.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said:

“The design team is now looking forward to hearing the views of everyone who walks, cycles and wheels around Northwich plus residents along the routes and local businesses.

“There is a short survey available online or you can meet the team at Northwich Brio Memorial Court Foyer to learn more at two drop-in sessions in December. We want to know your views on which route you prefer for walking, wheeling and cycling.

“The survey will run until Friday 22 December, with the plans of the project proposals available to see online and in pop up exhibitions.

“We are committed to improving areas across the borough, Northwich joins projects already underway in Winsford and plans for Ellesmere Port and Chester.”

The design team is proposing two route choices.  ‘Route A’ is along Station Road/Witton Street and would provide a direct pedestrian route along Station Road, across Chester Way on to Witton Street to the town centre. For cyclists, a reduced speed limit to 20mph would improve the on-road route, but high traffic levels would remain.

‘Route B’ is along Victoria Road and Kingsway and would provide an on-road cycle route with pedestrian improvements along Victoria Road on to Kingsway. A new crossing over Chester Way to Church Road leads on to Witton Street to the town centre. Proposals also include banning vehicles turning right from Chester Way into Church Road.  For cyclists, this would be a quieter on-road route with less traffic, however it is less direct to reach the town centre.

To find out more, the project team will be at Brio Memorial Court Foyer between 3pm and 7pm on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 14 December 2023.

The survey and details about the route options is available online from 30 November to 22 December:

Improving walking, wheeling and cycling access in Northwich | Cheshire West and Chester Council