Castleton Bee Network

The Castleton Walking and Cycling scheme contributed to the delivery of the UK’s largest cycling and walking network. Providing major improvements to Castleton’s high street, including dedicated facilities for people to walk and cycle as well as improved access to Castleton station.

Creating new protected cycle lanes stretching from Castleton railway station to the Royal Toby Hotel as well as improvements made to crossing facilities, with points at Royle Barn Road / Manchester and Nixon Street / Manchester Road being upgraded to include dedicated cycling space. The works comprised of approximately 0.9km of highway network improvements which involved redistribution of the existing public highway widths to provide a carriageway with segregated cycleways and footways in each direction. The works included one new signalised junction and one redesigned signalised junction (one junction will be of the Cyclops type – Cycle Optimised Protected Signals) and the relocation of two existing Signalised Pedestrian Crossings. Other works involved were associated site clearance, fencing, drainage, carriageway resurfacing, footway construction, kerbing, signing and lining, traffic signal chamber and ducting works, relocation of street furniture, landscaping and full construction of a new car park area for approx. 50no cars, opposite Nixon St.

Throughout the project's lifecycle, many challenges emerged. Operating within a bustling urban environment posed logistical hurdles, demanding meticulous planning to mitigate disruptions to traffic flow, pedestrian access, and local businesses. Effective traffic management strategies, including temporary lights, nighttime closures, and contraflows, were employed to minimise inconvenience to road users while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Proactive site management and positive public engagement were imperative. Regular communication with stakeholders, facilitated through community meetings and informative letter drops, helped transparency and gained support for the project's objectives. Stringent health and safety protocols were upheld, with particular emphasis on providing safe pedestrian routes and minimising environmental impact, especially during the relocation of project facilities near sensitive areas such as the canal.

Embracing innovation and collaboration, the project team navigated various design challenges and optimisation opportunities, resulting in cost-effective solutions and streamlined construction methodologies. Flexibility in programme management, including adjustments to working hours to accommodate community needs, proved an adaptive project management approach.

The project emphasised the importance of reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. Despite encountering hurdles, the cohesive teamwork and proactive problem-solving ethos ensured successful project delivery.