THE junction of four busy roads which has been branded as ‘dangerous’ for pedestrians and cyclists could be upgraded.

Warrington Borough Council is seeking people’s views on plans to upgrade the junction at Bewsey Road and Lovely Lane, making it more user-friendly for all, including those who walk and cycle.

The council has been successful in securing Government funding to improve the junction, which is in need of active travel improvements.

The surface of the road is said to be in poor condition, with cycling through the junction difficult and at times dangerous.

Upgrade plans include a full resurfacing of the junction, repositioning of islands and street lighting columns and the upgrade of the traffic signals.

A key part of the project is the introduction of a ‘Cycle Optimised Protected Signals junction.’

Commonly known as CYCLOPS, this type of junction separates people walking and cycling from vehicles, reducing the risk of collisions or conflict between users.

CYCLOPS junctions have a number of benefits over other junction layouts, including crossing times for people walking being shorter and closer to the preferred route.

Cyclists are separated from motor vehicles and from pedestrians, while the signal phase for people walking and cycling can run at the same time.

First developed by Transport for Greater Manchester and now common across the UK, this CYCLOPS junction would be the first of its kind in Warrington.

Cllr Hans Mundry, the council’s cabinet member for highways, transportation and public realm, said: “The junction at Bewsey Road and Lovely Lane has been in need of an upgrade for some time.

“The existing road surface is in poor condition and there is a need to replace the traffic signals. At the same time, there is a clear need for us to make active travel improvements at this location.

“We can achieve all of these much-needed improvements through these proposals, providing a high quality, user-friendly junction for everyone.

“By installing Warrington’s first CYCLOPS scheme, we can make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle.

“These proposals support our ongoing work through our Local Transport Plan to improve safety on our highway network and encourage people to travel in more sustainable ways.

“We are keen to hear people’s views on our plans for the upgraded junction. Please get involved in our consultation and have your say.”

The council has now launched a consultation, running until Monday, December 19, to give everyone the chance to share their views on the proposals.

To find out more about the proposed scheme, view the proposed layout and take part in the survey, visit warrington.gov.uk/lovely-lane-improvement

A drop in consultation event has also been arranged for Monday, November 28, at Whitecross Community Centre on Lexden Street.

People are welcome to call in to the centre at any time between 4pm and 7pm, where they can view draft plans and have any questions answered by members of the project team.

If you have any questions about the scheme, you can get in touch by emailing activetravel@warrington.gov.uk

It is anticipated that works on the junction upgrade would start in spring and be completed in autumn.

The council says it would co-ordinate works to minimise disruption to the travelling public as much as possible, with nearby residents to be advised of any restriction to access.