WORK is set to start on a new cycleway from Amesbury to Larkhill – with a road closure in place.

Wiltshire Council said the route, linking Amesbury town centre to military camps at Larkhill, will improve conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users.

The first step in the work will be to build a crossing facility on Countess Road.

The toucan crossing will initially enable pedestrians to safely cross from the eastern side of Countess Road to access the local rights of way network on the western side of the road and vice versa, the council said.

“Once the cycleway is built, the crossing facility will enable pedestrians and cyclists to safely and easily travel between Amesbury town centre and Larkhill,” a spokesperson added.

The work is set to start on Monday (March 18) and last for three weeks.

Countess Road will be closed for three days – from March 18 to 20 – while the work is carried out, although access to all private driveways will be maintained.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport at the council, said: “Cycling and walking can improve people’s physical and mental health, reduce congestion, save money, improve air quality, and help to tackle climate change.

“In our Business Plan, we support the decarbonisation of existing transport and increased use of walking, cycling and wheeling, and this new Amesbury to Larkhill cycleway fits firmly within that goal.

“The aim of the LCWIPs is to encourage more trips to be made on foot or by bike, and help to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and also cut carbon emissions.”

To find out more about Wiltshire Council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan – and the Amesbury to Larkhill cycleway – log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/transport-town-cycle-networks.