Accessible Nelson

We are working with Lancashire County Council to make Nelson more accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and all traffic.

Accessible Nelson will improve traffic flow into and through the town and introduce better walking and cycling opportunities so that it's greener and more attractive for everyone. 

Accessible Nelson is one of seven projects that the Nelson Town Deal board is overseeing as part of a ten-year plan for Nelson.

Accessible Nelson projects will be in the following areas:

  • Detail Area 1: Scotland Road and Liverpool and Leeds Canal gateway
  • Detail Area 2: Scotland Road
  • Detail Area 3: New Scotland RoadArtists impression of Scotland Road after Accessible Nelson project. Showing new pedestrian crossing, pedestrian and cycling area and trees.
  • Detail Area 4: Leeds Road / New Scotland Road junction Artists impression of Leeds Road/New Scotland Road with improvements to pavements and pedestrian crossings
  • Detail Area 5: Sagar Street / Holme Street junction
  • Detail Area 6: Railway Street / Broadway Artists impression of improved pedestrian and cycle way on Broadway/Railway Street
  • Detail Area 7: Manchester Road Junction

Start date

Work on Detail area 5, Sagar Street / Holme Street junction was expected to start at the beginning of January 2025.

Lancashire County Council is rescheduling. Utility work will be completed first to minimise the impact on residents and businesses.

A new start date will be confirmed in the new year.

Work on all areas must be completed by March 2026.

See Facebook, X and Instagram for updates on the work.

Funding

Accessible Nelson funding is from Lancashire County Council and Pendle Borough Council as part of the Nelson Towns Fund bid to: 

  • Improve traffic flow and multi modal interchange facilities. (Places where people can swap types of transport. For example, getting off the train at the station and hiring a scooter or bicycle.)
  • Create a quality environment (including at key gateway routes). 
  • Improved and safer walking and cycling environment.

Lancashire County Council funded schemes that link with Accessible Nelson include:

  • Detail areas of the Accessible Nelson scheme 1 - 3 (Scotland Road/New Scotland Road).
  • Mobility Hubs. These are being developed by Lancashire County Council. They will be spaces specifically for cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport users.
  • Lancashire County Council were also successful with a bid for the Active Travel Fund for Detail area 5 of the Accessible Nelson scheme.

Accessible Nelson’s aims

  • Enhance Nelson’s town by reducing traffic congestion and unnecessary car journeys.
  • Create a better sense of arrival. 
  • Improve the health and safety and well-being of pedestrians and cyclists. 
  • Improve traffic flow around Nelson for all road users.
  • Create gateways into Nelson and improve public spaces. 
  • Create better safer pedestrian and cycling links. 
  • Create safer and usable public spaces. 
  • Improve interchange and link into other programmes 
  • Improve the public perception of Nelson. 

Previous engagement  

In March 2022 we asked for comments on Accessible Nelson. Some of the key feedback included: 

  • Positive feedback on reducing the speed limit to encourage cycling. 
  • Plans for tree planting and green spaces well received. 
  • Agree to remove barriers for better movement of people through the town centre. 
  • Some doubt about replacing traffic lights with roundabouts at the junctions to improve traffic flow. 
  • Parking is important and Nelson needs more. 
  • Request for more pleasant seating areas, with flowers and trees, and open areas and cafes.

Related items

Categories