Walking and cycling facilities improvements in Balby

We’re improving sustainable transport facilities in Balby to provide new walking and cycling infrastructure and improved connections to green spaces, schools and employment sites.

These improvements are part of a wider plan to develop a better connected and safer network of walking and cycling routes across Doncaster, offering people more choice of how they travel, and reducing reliance on vehicles.

The scheme in Balby is being delivered with £3 million ring-fenced funding from the Department for Transport via the Transforming Cities Fund.

The construction is being done in stages to minimise the level of disruption as much as possible. The current phase, on the northbound lane of Sandford Road began on Monday 19th February 2024 and is expected to complete by Saturday 23rd March. To finish this phase of the scheme, we will be resurfacing the carriageway between Tickhill Road and Sunningdale Road from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd March.  

 What the scheme involves

The scheme will provide new walking and cycling infrastructure along Sandford Road, between the Woodfield Greenway, Tickhill Hospital and Balby Road. Throughout these areas there will be carriageway surfacing improvements, upgrades to signalised crossings and street lighting and installation of cycle parking provision along this corridor.

 Where we are at now

Construction on the northbound lane of Sandford Road began on Monday 19th February 2024 and is expected to complete by Saturday 23rd March (this is weather dependent and adverse weather conditions may cause delays).

During this time one side of Sandford Road will be closed to traffic on the northbound side that runs from the junction with Weston Road and Tickhill Road towards Sunningdale Road. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

The works are being delivered in phases to minimise disruption as much as possible and to enable local businesses to continue to operate as usual.

Advanced warning signs and a signposted diversion along Tickhill Road will be in place during the closure. Bus services will be re-routed to follow the diversion and a temporary bus stop will be in operation at the junction of Tickhill Road and Byron Road.

The benefits

By completing these important improvements, the scheme will:

  • Provide more choice for residents when choosing transport modes, particularly for short journeys.
  • Support a cleaner and greener Doncaster.
  • Enhance pedestrian and cycling facilities.
  • Improve road safety.
  • Improve connections for residents to green space, education and large employment sites.

 Frequently Asked Questions

How were residents and businesses consulted about the scheme?

Prior to the scheme being approved a four-week programme of consultation was conducted in which 76% of participants gave their support. The consultation aimed to inform residents and businesses located in the vicinity of the proposed scheme and invite them to participate in a variety of consultation opportunities where they could submit comments and feedback:
  •  Letters were sent by post to 3,000 homes and businesses providing information on the proposals and how to provide feedback. Contact details for the transportation team were also provided so that feedback could be submitted by email or telephone also.
  • Three in person drop-in sessions were held in the local area, at St Catherine’s House and Yorkshire Bike Shack CIC.
  • Plans were hosted on City of Doncaster Council active consultations webpage for anyone to view.
  • Social media advertising was carried out on Facebook, targeted to residents of Balby.

Thank you to everyone who responded to the consultation and provided their feedback on the proposals. Your feedback helped to inform some slight alterations to the initial scheme proposed.

Are any road closures planned and if so when?

Road closures will be in place for the minimum time necessary to minimise disruption as much as possible. During this stage of construction,Sandford Road will be closed to northbound traffic from the junction with Weston Road and Tickhill Road towards Sunningdale Road. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Construction on the northbound lane of Sandford Road began on Monday 19th February 2024 and is expected to complete by Saturday 23rd March (this is weather dependent and adverse weather conditions may cause delays).

 

How will this affect residents and businesses located on the proposed section of works?

Businesses will be open as usual during the construction, with diversions in place where necessary. Residents living on Sandford Road will be contacted directly with details of any access restrictions that need to be put in place, such as during resurfacing works directly in front of their properties. This will be kept to a minimum to limit the disruption. Residents of roads adjacent to Sandford Road will need to follow the diversion signs and use an alternative route whilst the road closure is in place.

What about getting to work or dropping children off at school?

Diversion routes will be in place whilst Sandford Road is closed. These will be signposted. As traffic will be diverted away from Sandford Road during the closure, surrounding roads are likely to become busier and so usual journey times may be longer. Road closures will be in place for the minimum time necessary to minimise disruption as much as possible. The roads surrounding Woodfield Primary and Astrea Academy Woodfields will be open as usual but the diversion route will be in place for Sandford Road. The schools have been informed of the road closures taking place.

What will be the impact on bus services?

During the road closure, bus stops along the closed road will not be operating. Bus services will be re-routed to follow the diversion and a temporary bus stop will be in operation at the junction of Tickhill Road and Byron Road. Alternative stops along Balby Road, Tickhill Road and Weston Road will still operate.

What happens if vehicles are left on Sandford Road during the closure?

Vehicles will be removed if left unattended and they are causing disruption to construction.

Will Emergency Service vehicles be able to access the road during the closure?

The road closure will also apply to Emergency Services vehicles. Emergency Services are informed as part of any planned highways improvements and are involved in discussions about diversion routes.

 

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Last updated: 21 March 2024 09:43:41

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