Torbay Council are delivering on accessible travel options

Torbay Council have exciting news for people who travel on the shared trail between Edginswell and Torquay seafront.

A new Toucan Crossing for people walking, wheeling, and cycling will be installed at the lower end of Shiphay Lane in Torquay, near Newton Road. The crossing will connect important pathways and cycleways between Rainbow Drive and Torbay Hospital. It will make it safer and easier for people to cross the three lanes of traffic on Shiphay Lane. In addition, there will be a new footway and cycleway entrance created to link the crossing into Rainbow Drive.

The Shiphay Lane crossing will form part of the Hospital Trail, included in Torbay’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. The Hospital Trail is one of a number of important active travel routes in Torbay where walking, wheeling and cycling options will be improved. The improvements are part of the Councils commitment to provide easier, safer and more desirable routes for active modes of transport. Their aim is to give people a wider range of accessible travel options, as well as benefiting health and the environment.

The project is funded by a grant from Active Travel England, supported by the government’s Department for Transport. The funding supports the government’s drive to increase the number of active travel journeys.

Construction of the crossing and access improvements will happen in two phases. The first phase of development will start in mid-June and be completed by the end of July. This phase will involve building the crossing, pavements, and a new entrance. The second phase, starting in September, will include traffic signals and road markings. The crossing is planned to be completed by October.

There will be a small impact on local traffic during construction. Temporary traffic lights and/or partial lane closures will be used at times during this period. These will be restricted to 9.30am to 2.30pm, or after 6.30pm, to avoid the busiest times for local school runs and commuters. Access for users of the Hospital Trail path, from Crownhill Rise to Shiphay Lane, may be restricted at certain times. Signage will be in place to advise users.

Once completed, smart technology will ensure the new crossing will link with the timing of the traffic lights on Newton Road. This will allow both vehicular traffic and shared trail users to safely and efficiently use local travel routes.

The new crossing is one of a number of improvements planned for the route. We are also planning to build a new ramp next to the steps on the Rainbow Drive shared trail. The new ‘Rainbow Ramp’ will make it possible for people using bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs to avoid using the existing steps. Construction of the ramp is planned to begin in 2026. This will follow further work on the design, public engagement and subject to confirmation of funding.

Cllr Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking for Torbay Council, said; “The investment is a key part of our plans to provide accessible travel options around the Bay. These are very exciting improvements for people who currently use, or plan to use the shared Hospital Trail.

“Both the Shiphay Lane crossing and the future ‘Rainbow Ramp’ will bring real benefits to the community. The shared trail will become truly accessible to all, allowing increased journeys to school, work, and for leisure.

“We are sure that the forthcoming improvements will be welcomed by the local community and appreciate people’s patience as we deliver them.”