Nottinghamshire County Council has unveiled ambitious plans to upgrade key road junctions and pathways in West Bridgford.
The decision is part of a wider initiative to improve active travel infrastructure and support the new pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting the area to Nottingham city centre. The proposed changes, funded by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), aim to make walking and cycling safer and more accessible for residents and commuters.
Background
The plans are part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable transport in Nottinghamshire, aligning with national and local policies. The government’s Gear Change strategy, which encourages cycling and walking for shorter journeys, has been a driving force behind these improvements. Nottinghamshire’s Local Transport Plan and Local Cycling and Walking Improvement Plan (LCWIP) also prioritise schemes that enhance connectivity, reduce carbon emissions, and improve public health.
In March 2020, Nottingham and Derby secured £161 million from the second tranche of the TCF, aimed at supporting sustainable growth, reducing congestion, and improving air quality. While Nottingham City Council led the bid, Nottinghamshire County Council has been responsible for delivering active travel and public transport improvements within the county. The latest proposals focus on enhancing the walking and cycling routes between the new bridge and West Bridgford town centre, ensuring a seamless connection for residents and visitors.
The New Bridge
The centrepiece of these improvements is the new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Trent, set to open by March 2026. The bridge will significantly reduce travel distances between West Bridgford, Lady Bay, and Nottingham city centre, making it an attractive option for commuters and leisure users alike. However, with increased foot and cycle traffic expected, the county council has recognised the need to upgrade local infrastructure to accommodate the additional demand.
In October 2024, the council approved the reallocation of £4 million in unspent TCF funding to improve pedestrian and cycle facilities between the bridge and West Bridgford town centre. Following detailed feasibility studies, the budget has been adjusted to £3.25 million, with Nottingham City Council contributing £750,000 to upgrade the Trentside Path as part of the bridge development.
Road Layout Changes
The proposed improvements focus on three key junctions in West Bridgford, all of which are strategically located to provide the most direct routes to the new bridge while minimising disruption to the existing highway network. The changes include:
- Radcliffe Road/Trent Boulevard Junction
- Widening of the pedestrian refuge to accommodate cyclists.
- Resurfacing and widening of the footway to the north of the crossing to handle peak traffic, particularly on match days.
- Relocation of existing metal railings and the heron sculpture within the landscaped area.
- Potential upgrades to traffic signals on all arms of the Lady Bay junction, subject to funding availability.
- Radcliffe Road/Mabel Grove/Rutland Road Junction
- Refurbishment of the existing Toucan crossing (shared pedestrian and cyclist crossing) on Radcliffe Road.
- Introduction of new raised table entry treatments on Mabel Grove and Rutland Road to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Widening of footways to create 3m-wide shared-use paths.
- Extension of yellow line parking restrictions to prevent congestion, particularly during match days.
- Radcliffe Road/Cyril Road/Rutland Road Junction
- Upgrade of the existing Toucan crossing to a Sparrow crossing, providing segregated pedestrian and cyclist crossings.
- Widening of the footway on the north side of Radcliffe Road to create a 3.5m-wide shared-use path.
- Installation of a new raised plateau at the junction of Rutland Road and Gertrude Road for enhanced safety.
- Removal of four trees (three mature and one early mature), with plans to replant two trees for each one removed.
Issues such as the loss of on-street parking and the removal of trees have been highlighted. However, the council has emphasised that the changes are necessary to ensure safety and accessibility for all users, particularly those with disabilities. The council has also committed to addressing illegal traffic movements at Lady Bay junction through its recently acquired moving traffic enforcement powers.
Consultation and Construction
The council is set to launch a public consultation on the proposed changes, including the introduction of raised plateaus and a draft Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), from 5th May to 26th May 2025. Following the consultation, separate approvals will be sought for the Radcliffe Road/Mabel Grove/Rutland Road and Radcliffe Road/Cyril Road/Rutland Road schemes. Construction of the Radcliffe Road/Trent Boulevard improvements is expected to begin shortly, with all works scheduled for completion by 31st March 2026.
As the plans move forward, the council has urged residents to participate in the consultation process to ensure that the final designs meet the needs of all road users. With the new bridge set to open in 2026, these improvements will play a crucial role in shaping the future of transport in West Bridgford.
