Work Starts Today on Burton’s Cycleway Extension

Work officially begins today (Monday 5 January) to extend the cycleway through Burton town centre - aiming to make it safer and easier for people to walk or cycle across town.

The £1.2 million scheme, led by Staffordshire County Council, will create a new two-way cycle track along Borough Road, directly linking Burton railway station with the Town Hall. It’s the second phase of a wider project to improve active travel routes in the town, following the recent completion of the Station Street cycleway.

As part of the works, crews will also be resurfacing pavements and parts of the road, upgrading traffic signals and bus stops, and refreshing road markings along the stretch.

To get things moving, the first phase kicks off with a road closure between No.19 Derby Street and the Borough Road junction, plus a lane closure on Borough Road up to Wellington Street. Diversions are in place, with traffic redirected via Wellington Street, Shobnall Road, Evershed Way, Orchard Street and Union Street. Travelodge and Station car park will still be accessible from Derby Street.

This phase is expected to last around two weeks, and crews are aiming to keep disruption to a minimum.

The project is being funded by £990,000 from East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Town Deal pot, with an extra £220,000 from Staffordshire County Council.

“A Real Asset for the Town”

Cllr Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said:

“Extending the cycleway is a positive step for Burton. It will give people safer, more practical ways to get around the town, whether they’re commuting, heading into the centre or travelling to the station.

We know roadworks can be disruptive, but this is a long-term investment that will benefit everyone. Our teams will do everything they can to keep inconvenience to a minimum.”

While the scheme is being welcomed by local authorities, some residents have questioned whether there’s genuine demand for an extended cycleway. The existing route along Station Street is rarely seen in use, leading a few to wonder whether this new stretch will see more wheels on the ground.

Still, whether you're a cyclist, walker, or just someone trying to dodge traffic cones for the next fortnight, it's clear Burton is rolling forward with its Town Deal plans - one stretch of tarmac at a time.