COUNCIL chiefs are set to award the construction contract for a £1.65 million traffic-free link between Burtonwood and Omega.

The shared-use path aims to provide a new route between the village and Omega, along Clay Lane and Burtonwood Road.

A shared use path permits all types of non-vehicular travel such as walking, cycling and mobility scooters.

In his report to the cabinet for its meeting next Monday, Cllr Hans Mundry, portfolio holder for transportation, highways and public realm, says anyone currently wishing to walk or cycle along this route must do so on the carriageway which ‘puts them in danger’.

He added: “The need for the scheme emerged out of a study into highway and transport issues in Burtonwood village in 2015 and people expressed concern over the lack of a pavement next to the road leading towards Warrington.

“Over the following years the scheme was developed with regular meetings with groups and ward councillors.

“The scheme is aligned with the transport strategy set out in the recently approved local transport plan four and, in particular, the sections relating to active travel.”

The new path will require land to be acquired from landowners to the south and west side of Burtonwood Road and Clay Lane, as the existing road is not wide enough to accommodate it.

The estimated cost to deliver the scheme, including a risk allowance for the construction phase, totals £1.65 million.

The council will put £900,000 towards the project, with £500,000 to come from the Cheshire and Warrington growth deal and £250,000 from developer contributions.

The cabinet is recommended to approve the budget and award the contract for the construction of the path at its meeting on Monday.

Further details, including the name of the company which will complete the work, will be discussed in part two in private.