Works are set to begin next week on a new cycle path and footpath on Derby Road in Mansfield.

Once the works are complete, cyclists and other footway users will benefit from two new one-way cycle tracks on both the north and south side of Derby Road from the A60 Nottingham Road to Cauldwell Road, passing West Nottinghamshire College.

The new tracks will connect to existing shared cycle and footpaths at each end of Derby Road and will also provide a link for residential areas to the college.

Both new routes will be fully segregated from the road and the path, and the project will also include improvements for cyclists and pedestrians at the junction of A60 Nottingham Road with Derby Road, and at the junction of Derby Road with Cauldwell Road.

The scheme will also include the installation of a new toucan crossing on Derby Road close to the West Nottinghamshire College campus entrance.

Planned repairs to the road surface of Derby Road will take place at the same time as the works on the new cycle tracks as part of the county council’s ‘whole street’ approach to road maintenance.

Via East Midlands, who manage Nottinghamshire’s highways on behalf of the county council, will begin works on-site on Monday 14 August 2023.

Councillor Neil Clarke, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “It is great that works on this scheme will be starting this summer.

“This new route will provide a key link to West Nottinghamshire College for both students and staff and its link with the wider cycle network will help to connect to Mansfield and surrounding areas.

“Providing a safe route for cyclists is important as we look towards the future and as active travel becomes more popular.

“There are so many benefits to walking and cycling, including cleaner air and less congested roads, and we are delighted to be delivering a scheme which will help local people to enjoy both of these safely.

“The scheme will cost around £2 million to construct and this is part of the county council’s £4.6 million allocation from Tranche 3 of Government’s Active Travel Fund.

“We know that communities may be concerned about possible disruption, but we alongside our colleagues at Via East Midlands will endeavour to keep residents and motorists up-to-date, while aiming to keep disruption to a minimum."

Gavin Peake, Director of IT, estates and learning resources at West Nottinghamshire College, said: “The continuation of the cycle lane which will connect Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Mansfield is a really welcome addition to the local highways.

“Being right outside our main college campus will enable those students and staff who cycle to college and beyond, to have a safe and seamless path to traverse.

“It will also support our work to progress towards Net Zero as an organisation and could even encourage more students and staff to take the option of cycling to this campus.

“With our improved secure cycle storage facilities at the college we are equipped to support a cycle to college and work ethos and some staff members have even taken up the Ride-To-Work scheme through Evans Cycles, which offers employees an affordable way to purchase a new bike.

“We continue to educate our students about the many ways they can contribute to a cleaner and greener future so this addition to the locality is great to see being implemented.”

More information about the Active Travel Fund and schemes in Nottinghamshire can be found at: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/transport/active-travel/active-travel-fund/active-travel-fund-tranche-3

View the frequently asked questions about the scheme: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/transport/active-travel/active-travel-fund/active-travel-fund-tranche-3/a611-derby-road-cycle-scheme-frequently-asked-questions