Tuesday 09 June 2015
Media Enquiry from Guernsey Press:
A reader has brought to our attention that the cycle path along Les Banques is shut - can you confirm it is due to the outfall project work at Belle Greve?
Also could the department explain why the path has been closed?
There is a sign asking cyclists to dismount their bikes but states there is still pedestrian access, can cyclists still walk through the blocked area with their bikes?
How long will the closure be in place?
Environment Department Response:
Yes, the current restrictions along the cycle path at Les Banques relate, in part, to the proposed sewage outfall project at Belle Greve. This major infrastructure project is currently being undertaken by Guernsey Water and is expected to last for another three to four months and there will be a need to review traffic and pedestrian management arrangements in the area at various times during the project programme.
There is also a much shorter-term unrelated project opposite the Red Lion that is currently also restricting access to the pedestrian / cycle path.
Once the majority of site equipment has been moved into a new compound to the north of the temporarily relocated car parking area, consideration will be given to amending the current arrangements and restrictions that are in place, including consideration of possible alternative solutions for managing pedestrian and cyclist access through this area. This is expected to happen within the next few days. However, it should be noted that cyclists are still permitted to walk their bicycles through the currently closed section of path at this time, the only stipulation being that they dismount.
Whilst any disruption to the current seafront cycle path and pedestrian pavement area is unwelcome, the Department needs to consider the potential risks that any temporary arrangements in the area present to vulnerable road users. At the current time, the view remains that cyclists should dismount and walk their bicycles along this section of the cycle route.
Contact Information:
Karl Guille, Traffic and Transport Services Manager
Environment Department
Tel: 0148 243400
