Public consultation on changes to the Cressex Link junction closes on Fri 6th Apr 2018

Proposed changes to the Cressex Link crossroads.

Residents are being asked to give their views on plans to change the Cressex Link junction in High Wycombe.

The proposed changes, which form Phase 6 of the High Wycombe Town Centre ‘Masterplan’, include :

• Proposals to re-prioritise the traffic lights at the junction between Cressex Road and Coronation Road/Cressex Link.
• The introduction of left turns from Cressex Road.
• The installation of four ‘toucan’ pedestrian crossing.
• A weight limit on Cressex Road to stop heavy lorries.

The aim is to improve journey times with better traffic flows from the business park through this junction and a reduction in traffic volumes at the Booker Turnpike roundabout.

The two left turns aim to provide more direct routes to and from Desborough Avenue.

The scheme, paid for from the Local Growth Fund through Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and developer contributions, is estimated to cost £608,000.

The Cressex Link crossroads.

Included in the plans is a proposal to extend the Cressex Link Road cycleway from the Booker Turnpike roundabout to the Marlow Road junction. Residents will be asked for their opinion on three options – two on-road cycle lanes, a shared footway/cycleway, or no cycleway.

Mark Shaw, Deputy Leader and Transport Cabinet Member, said he was aware of the strength of feeling among residents, in the shape of two petitions – one against a cycleway and another in favour of an off-road cycle route.

‘I’m really pleased local residents are already talking about the proposals,‘ he said. ‘That’s a healthy way to engage people and draw out their opinions, so that we can make well-informed decisions.

We need to listen to residents and those who work in Cressex business park and want improved journey times, as well as consider the provision for cyclists as part of our commitment to supporting sustainable travel across the county.‘

David Johncock, Wycombe District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability, said: ‘This junction improvement has been needed for a long time and so it’s good to see it coming to fruition. Whilst there is always a question about the sense of having cycleways in a hilly town, this part of the town is relatively flat.

Given the recent introduction of three Air Quality Management Areas within the District, we need to do everything we can to encourage people to cycle and walk rather than go by car. It would be particularly good to see children cycling or walking to school and this area would be ideal for such sustainable travel modes. I hope the majority of residents will therefore support the proposal for a cycleway.‘

The consultation, which can be viewed at www.buckscc.gov.uk/cressex, closes on Friday 6th April 2018.