The Derwent Valley Trust is very pleased that the Highways England project to build a traffic light controlled (toucan) crossing for pedestrians and cyclists across the A61 near Breadsall is now complete (subject to a test period of correct operation).
This crossing addresses a long term concern of Breadsall Parish Council that the busy A61 road cuts links for cyclists and pedestrians between the west of the road and Breadsall.
The new crossing links the existing National Cycle Route 672 (the Breadsall Great Northern Greenway) to the National Cycle Network Route 54 alongside the A61. It also allows pedestrians to safely reach the bus stop on the west side of the A61.
The crossing is believed to be the first pedestrian and cycle crossing with a mast arm mounted traffic light in Derbyshire. For visibility reasons the speed limit in the vicinity of the crossing has been permanently reduced to 50 mph.
Thanks are due to Highways England for delivering this project for the benefit of the local community and for Derbyshire County Council supporting the work and ensuring that any bureaucratic issues could be overcome. The Highways England finance is from their Designated Funds scheme which supports initiatives that deliver lasting benefits for road users, the environment and communities across England.
The Derwent Valley Trust has worked closely with Highways England, Breadsall Parish Council and others to progress this A61 crossing project. This work is alongside the Trust’s plans for the Derwent Valley Cycleway for which Highways England is also providing financial and technical support.
