Works to enhance Causewayhead due to begin on Monday, 6 January
Works to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists at Causewayhead and provide a more attractive gateway into Penzance are due to begin on Monday, 6 January.
The improvements are being funded by the Penzance Town Deal Sustainable Travel Network project which aims to transform travel in and around the town, creating a fully sustainable network of safe and accessible walking, cycling and functional green and open urban spaces. The project is being delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Penzance Town Deal Board.
Currently seen as an unattractive gateway into the town for people who live or arrive from the north, Causewayhead also experiences problems with “rat running” and has a lack of footways, with some of the existing pedestrian crossings in the wrong places.
Statutory consultation on the proposals was carried out earlier this year. This resulted in a change to the final design to retain pedestrian crossings as requested by the local community.
The scheme will improve walkway and cycling connectivity with improved crossings, increased footway space and traffic calming measures. It will also complement the new Creative Cluster building and create a more attractive gateway with additional open green space, new planting and seating on the high street.
Specific enhancements include widening the existing footway on Causewayhead, installing new granite paving and tactile paving, improving the existing zebra crossing on St Clare St and providing a raised table pedestrian crossing where Causewayhead meets Clarence Street. The existing zebra crossing on Taroveor Road will also be removed and replaced with an uncontrolled, “build out” crossing point, which reduces crossing distance for pedestrians.
The carriageway will be fully resurfaced with new road markings, and pedestrian areas will receive new decorative landscaping and street furniture such as benches and bicycle stands.
The scheme is being constructed by Cormac, with three-way traffic lights in use for the majority of the work to enable the team to work safely.
“This is a busy area and, while we understand the importance of keeping the traffic flowing as well as possible at all times during the construction, we also need to ensure the safety of the teams working on site” said Cormac project manager Tom James.
“We recognise that the works will inevitably cause some temporary disruption to motorists and will be monitoring the traffic closely to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible and delays are kept to a minimum.”
Access for residents and businesses, and for deliveries and to car parks will be maintained at all times.
The final resurfacing and application of road markings will be carried out at nighttime towards the end of the programme, as a full road closure will be required.
The works are currently due to be completed in June 2025
Anyone with queries or concerns about the works is asked to call 0300 1234 222 or email Cormac at contracting@cormacltd.co.uk
The Causewayhead scheme is one of a number of projects which are taking place in Penzance over the coming months. These include the development at Coinagehall Street, which involves the closure of the street between Battery Road and Coinagehall Mews to traffic (pedestrian access is being maintained along the pavement), the closure of St Anthony’s car park for remodelling and the closure of one section of Quay Street.
Partners are working closely together to manage the impact of all the schemes and ensure that the works are properly co-ordinated.
