A WELL-USED but often muddy and uneven route on the edge of Salisbury is set for a major makeover.

Work begins next week to transform Green Lane into a safer path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Wiltshire Council says the improvements, running between Roman Road and Pearce Way, are designed to make the route easier to use all year round while encouraging more people to ditch the car for everyday journeys.

Construction starts on Monday, May 18 and is expected to continue until October, with sections of the route temporarily closed during the works.

For many residents, Green Lane is already a popular cut-through linking housing areas with schools, shops and countryside routes, but parts of it can become difficult to navigate in poor weather.

The upgrade will include a resurfaced path, new street lighting, traffic calming on Roman Road and a new raised “parallel crossing” on Pearce Way, allowing cyclists and pedestrians to cross together more safely.

Wiltshire Council says the changes are aimed at improving both safety and accessibility, particularly for families, commuters and horse riders.

Cabinet member for highways Cllr Martin Smith said: “This scheme will make a real difference for people who use Green Lane regularly and for anyone who wants to walk, cycle or ride more as part of their everyday journeys.

“By improving safety and access, we’re helping to make active travel a realistic and attractive choice.

“Projects like this support the ambitions set out in Our Wiltshire Plan, by promoting low-carbon travel and improving road safety as part of a greener Wiltshire where everyone can travel confidently and sustainably.”

The project will be carried out in four phases, including temporary closures of sections of Green Lane and traffic management on surrounding roads.

A temporary closure or restriction will also be needed on Pearce Way while the new crossing is installed.

Despite expected disruption, the council says access for residents, cyclists and pedestrians will be maintained wherever possible, with diversion routes clearly signposted.

The scheme is part of Salisbury’s wider Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan and is being funded through government active travel grants and developer contributions.