AMBITIOUS plans to create a new active travel link to better connect the town centre to the Metrodome and Barnsley Football Club’s Oakwell home have now begun.
The project, which saw almost £2m ring-fenced following its announcement, will see a number of improvements including a new toucan crossing over Kendray Street - at the foot of the Market Gate Bridge.
It will make it safer for football fans and residents to cross the road when travelling to Oakwell.
Other improvements include pavement widening along Kendray Street, amendments to the southbound exit slip road across the junction with Queens Road and revised traffic signal arrangements.
The scheme aims to deliver key active travel improvements to Kendray Street and Pontefract Road.
These are beneath Harborough Hill Road.
The aim is to better connect the town centre with Oakwell and the areas around it.
It will be funded by the Mayoral Legacy Fund and is delivered in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
Six-month-long work began this week.
A council spokesperson said: “The project aims to improve walking and cycling provision in the Kendray Street area, between the Interchange, Barnsley Metrodome and Oakwell Stadium.
“Works are expected to last around six months, with most activity taking place on weekdays between 7.30am and 4pm, although some weekend and night-time work will be required.
“Initial work will focus on the area in front Buzz Bingo for around four weeks, with minimal disruption during this stage.
“Highway works will then follow shortly after.
“Phased traffic management will be in place, including lane restrictions, footway and road closures, and diversions, so please allow extra time for your journeys. “Access to properties will be maintained where possible, but short delays may occur.
“Thank you for your patience while these essential improvements are carried out.”
Central ward councillors Nicola Sumner, Janine Moyes and Martin O’Donoghue told the Chronicle that the work is exciting for the area.
They added: “We are pleased to see the work begin on the underpass from the town centre to Oakwell. It has been a long time coming, with Dan Jarvis MP originally allocating funds when he was Mayor to the project.
“This is a major road network in and out of town and as local councillors, we understand the pressure of high footfall on match days at Oakwell and the young people and families across the borough, walking to and from the popular sites of the Metrodome and Base71.
“This work will help to improve pedestrian safety.
“However, we know from other major road works that have taken place in Barnsley, that there will be disruption to road users and residents.
“We would ask the highways team to bear this in mind and work to minimise the inconvenience.
“This is a potentially exciting time for Oakwell and Hoyle Mill, as Pride in Place funding from the government has been allocated to regenerate the Oakwell corridor down to Dearne Valley Park and Barnsley Main.
“Before the recent election, plans were being discussed about the council adding to this investment.
“However we will wait to hear if the new Reform led council will go ahead with the plans.
“If we are putting in an active travel scheme, we would certainly as Central ward councillors hope the work continues down to Dearne Valley Park and the Grade II-listed Barnsley Main site.”
