When the road becomes not a road.

This is a previously wide and popular thoroughfare. The road was shut in November; it won’t open till March. The pavement on the north side has been doubled in width and the road made significantly narrower. The wider pavement is to enable pedestrians and cyclists to move safely. I think that a little bit strange. There’s a parallel path about 80m to the north. And across the road there’s a footpath, and in the woods is a proper all weather track, which is also parallel, used to by runners, dog walkers and mountain bikers as they head into the park. There aren’t particularly many cyclists here either. Maybe they’ll come? When reading about it all I noted a quote from a councillor…”I can confirm that the project has been designed for two-way road traffic, albeit with some carriageway narrowing.” Hmm, not so sure. Ironically, the road surface that has been sacrificed too is actually in good condition. I try to be even minded about our local authority, but have to say I do wonder if this is the best use of money when they are restricting hours at swimming pools, sports centres and struggling with social care.