Salisbury Post

Win-Win” as Salisbury Green Lane Upgrade Begins to Improve Safety for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Wiltshire Council has begun upgrades to Green Lane in Salisbury including resurfacing, lighting and crossings as part of a wider active travel scheme.

Work is set to begin on a key Salisbury route as Wiltshire Council launches improvements designed to make travel safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

Green Lane, which runs between Roman Road and Pearce Way, will undergo a series of upgrades including resurfacing, improved street lighting, a parallel crossing, and traffic calming measures.

The project forms part of Salisbury’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), which aims to encourage more active travel across the city as a way of improving public health and air quality while reducing reliance on cars.

The improvements have been widely welcomed by local cycling campaigners, with Dr Jimmy Walker of the Cycling Opportunities Group for Salisbury (COGS) describing the scheme as a “major win-win for all residents of Salisbury”.

Dr Walker, who has been involved with COGS for around 30 years, said the current condition of the lane has discouraged many potential users.

“The lane is very bumpy, and if families from the estates at Longhedge and Old Sarum are to be encouraged to use the route, it must be made as safe as possible,” he said.

He added that the changes would benefit a wide range of users beyond cyclists.

“It will make a difference not only for cyclists but for those who walk, those in mobility chairs, and those on scooters… it’s going to give them more confidence,” he said.

Wiltshire Council says the scheme is part-funded through Active Travel England grants and developer contributions, with the county receiving £375,000 in 2024 and a further £3.1 million in government support in late 2025 to improve walking, cycling and wheeling infrastructure.

The council says the Green Lane works will be delivered in four phases to minimise disruption, with temporary closures, signage and diversion routes put in place where required.

Councillor Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said the improvements are designed to make active travel a practical choice for more residents.

“Improving safety and access will help make active travel a realistic and attractive choice,” he said.

“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 is expected to continue until October, with residents advised to plan ahead while works are underway.