Town centre to Oakwell active travel scheme

Project overview

Project status: In delivery

We're looking to introduce walking and cycling improvements to the Kendray Street area. The proposals are aimed at improving the provision for walking and cycling. These will take place between the interchange and the Barnsley Metrodome and Oakwell Stadium.

The scheme aims to deliver key active travel improvements to Kendray Street and Pontefract Road. These are beneath Harborough Hill Road. The aim is to better connect the town centre with Oakwell and the areas around it.

It will be funded by the Mayoral Legacy Fund and is delivered in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Please see below for more details and plans of the scheme.

Proposals

The scheme aims to improve the active travel offering by doing the following:

• Toucan crossing over Kendray Street, at the foot of the new Market Gate Bridge
• Footway widening along Kendray Street, up the slip road onto Harborough Hills Road and into Pontefract Road
• Reclassification of footways to shared use, permitting cycling
• Signage/wayfinding from Kendray Street to Metrodome and Oakwell
• Amendments to Southbound exit slip road across junction with Queens Road
• Revised traffic signal arrangements
• New access arrangements to bingo hall subject to approval
• Higher standard of paving and public realm features

Project timeline

Milestone	Provisional date
Final funding approval	November 2024
Construction start	January 2025
Construction end	July 2025

Plans

View the town centre to Oakwell active travel scheme plan.

Worsbrough to Wombwell TPT scheme

Project overview

Project status: In delivery

We, along with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and their partners are proposing to upgrade and resurface sections of the Trans-Pennine Trail (TPT) between Worsbrough and Wombwell.

The project is part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and central government for the creation of new and upgraded active travel links to increase walking and cycling in the borough and reduce reliance on car-based journeys.

We've committed to upgrading many areas of the network to improve the attractiveness of the active travel routes in the borough. This scheme is part of this commitment, seeking to improve the key strategic route between Worsbrough and Wombwell along the TPT.

Some of the benefits the scheme aims to deliver include:

• Improved off-road safe cycle routes;
• Greater linked routes and wider connections;
• Enhanced connections to residential areas;
• Better signage to active travel routes;
• Improved road crossing provision

Proposals

This scheme proposes to resurface and widen sections of the existing TPT route between Park Road, Worsbrough and Bradberry Balk Lane, Wombwell. In most areas, the scheme will provide a 4m wide route comprising of a 2m tarmac strip besides a 2m crushed stone strip, as to benefit all users. This will improve the quality and capacity of the route and help bring it into compliance with modern active travel route guidance.

The scheme also proposes upgrades and improvements to the road crossings along the route to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of the Trans Pennine Trail. 

Projected timeline

The table below shows the proposed key milestones that we’re working towards for this project.

Activity	Date
Scheme consultation and development	September 2024
Construction start	November 2024
Construction end	March 2025

Plans

Details and plans for this scheme are outlined in the link below. 

• Worsbrough to Wombwell TPT Scheme Proposals

Bike Works Active Travel Hub

Project overview

Project status: In delivery

We, along with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and their partners are proposing to transform the existing Active Travel Hub site at the Transport Interchange on Eldon Street into the Barnsley Bike Works headquarters.

The site will be expanded, have more secure bike parking spaces, improved shower and toilet facilities and a brand-new loan fleet of conventional bikes and electric bikes. This is thanks to money from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement fund, which seeks to increase walking and cycling in the borough and reduce reliance on car-based journeys.

Proposals

This scheme proposes to resurface and widen sections of the existing TPT route between Park Road, Worsbrough and Bradberry Balk Lane, Wombwell. In most areas, the scheme will provide a 4m wide route comprising of a 2m tarmac strip besides a 2m crushed stone strip, as to benefit all users. This will improve the quality and capacity of the route and help bring it into compliance with modern active travel route guidance.

The scheme also proposes upgrades and improvements to the road crossings along the route to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of the Trans Pennine Trail. 

Projected timeline

The table below shows the proposed key milestones that we’re working towards for this project.

Activity	Date
Construction start	November 2024
Construction end	March 2025

Darton active travel route

Project overview

Status: In development

The project is part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and central government. It will create new and upgraded active travel links in the borough to increase walking and cycling and reduce reliance on car-based journeys.

We've committed to upgrading many areas of the network to improve the attractiveness of the active travel routes in the borough. This scheme will contribute to the growing active travel network by connecting Mapplewell and Darton with the recently delivered A61 Royston to Town Centre Active Travel Scheme.

Some of the benefits the scheme aims to deliver include:

• Improved off-road safe cycle routes.
• Greater linked routes and wider connections.
• Enhanced connections to a local school and residential areas.
• Better signage to active travel routes.
• Improved road crossing provision.

Proposals

The scheme aims to deliver active travel improvements between the areas of Bar Lane, Mapplewell, and Darton Grammar School. The primary focus of the scheme is the widening and resurfacing of an existing trail that connects Darton Grammar School with Spark Lane, so that it can be used more easily and safely and at all times of year.

The project team are still investigating how best to connect Spark Lane with Bar Lane and are considering options along Carr Green Lane and Hill End Road.

Projected timeline

The table below shows the proposed key milestones that we're currently working towards. These are subject to change.

Activity	Date
Submission of final business case	TBC
Construction start	June 2025
Construction end	December 2025

Consultation

This scheme was presented to the public in November 2022 through drop-in events and communicated via letters and social media. The feedback from this consultation period is under consideration as the scheme develops. Before this scheme is delivered, another period of engagement will be held to pass on information on the fixed proposals.

A635 Stairfoot quality bus corridor

Project overview

Status: In development

The A635 Stairfoot quality bus corridor is a bus rapid transit (BRT) scheme. It proposes to redesign and increase the size of Stairfoot roundabout and many of its entry and exit lanes. The scheme aims to support regeneration by reducing current and forecasted congestion along the A635 Doncaster Road corridor. It also aims to improve bus services and journey times and improve pedestrian and cycling facilities to encourage more people to get out and travel active.

The project is part of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) supported by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and central government.

Currently this scheme is in the development stage and the proposals may change we progress through the design stages.

Proposals

This scheme proposes to:

• Straighten the approach to the roundabout from Wombwell lane/Bleachcroft Way.
• Replace the bus lane on Doncaster Road which enters the roundabout with an extra all vehicle lane.
• Increase the Grange Lane entry onto the roundabout from two lanes to three.
• Increase the Grange Lane exit off of the roundabout from one lane to two.
• Replace the bus lane on Bleachcroft Way with an all vehicle lane and a bus layby.
• Add another lane to the South-East section of the roundabout.
• Widen the pavement to a minimum of three meters and converted to shared use (foot and cycle).
• Improve the Trans Pennine Trail including replacing the bridge over Grange Lane.

Projected timeline

Activity	Date
Submission of planning application	March 2025
Submission of full business case (final funding approval)	TBC
Construction start	June 2025
Construction end	December 2025

Frequently asked questions

Why do we need a larger roundabout?

Widening this roundabout will improve its overall capacity, reducing the time it takes during peak hours to travel through it. Reducing congestion across Barnsley's major travel corridors is vital to continued economic growth. Without intervention the current issue will continue to worsen. 

Will there be any impact on flooding?

Through detailed drainage modelling work undertaken, the design of the BRT is such that surface water will be stored in drainage pipes under the swales at the side of the road and released in a controlled manner into the River Dearne. Working with landowners, we have a drainage solution that reduces the likelihood of flooding.

Where can I view the planning application for the BRT?

We aim to submit the planning application in April 2024. You will be able to view the planning application on the Council’s Planning web site. Notifications will be posted on lamp posts around the site at that time.

How is the scheme being funded?

The scheme has been funded through the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authorities allocation of the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. 

Will we use compulsory purchase orders to acquire the land?

Whilst we don’t foresee the need to use CPO powers, the Council could pursue this if necessary. We are currently negotiating with landowners for a mutual resolution. 

How will this affect wildlife and trees?

Despite this area already being largely urbanised with very little green space we have undertaken a number of ecological surveys and have mitigation measures in place. We also have a comprehensive tree planting and landscape scheme, which includes a 10:1 replacement of any trees that are affected, as well a commitment to a biological net gain.  

Contact us

For more details about this transport scheme, or to give feedback, please contact us. You can do so by emailing stairfootbrt@barnsley.gov.uk.

Goldthorpe station access scheme

Delivered in 2022

The scheme delivered improved active travel connectivity to Goldthorpe train station from Thurnscoe and Goldthorpe. Footways and crossing points along Nicholas Lane, Thurnscoe Bridge Lane and Shepherd Lane were widened, improved and upgraded to shared use, for the use of cycles as well as walking.

The route benefits Thurnscoe residents who access Highgate Primary School in Goldthorpe, making it safer and more enjoyable to travel actively.

In the first year, the route saw a 17% increase in usage.

The scheme was funded via the Active Travel Fund tranche 2, from central government, and delivered in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Elsecar active travel scheme

Delivered in 2022

The scheme was a package of measures put together to improve walking and cycling connectivity between Elsecar Heritage Centre and Cortonwood Retail Park.

The schemes primary aim was to widen and resurface 3.2km of existing public right of way and Trans Pennine Trail between the two destinations. This was to make it safer, easier and more enjoyable to travel actively. 

As well as the route improvements we added wayfinding signage, additional seating and made improvements to the crossing point. We also added route finders which showcase Elsecar Heritage Centre attractions.

The scheme delivered a new zebra crossing on Wentworth Road making it easier for pedestrians to cross safely between the Heritage Centre and Elsecar Park. An extended 30mph speed limit was also introduced onto Wentworth road to improve pedestrian safety in Elsecar.

In the first year, the route saw a 33% increase in usage.

This scheme was funded via the Active Travel Fund tranche 2, from central government, and delivered in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Darton station access scheme

Delivered in 2023

The scheme delivered a series of measures which aimed to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists around Darton train station.

The primary aim of the scheme was the prohibiting of vehicles through the underpass between Mill Lane and Station Road. Previously, the narrow width of the tunnel meant pedestrians and cyclists had to share the road with live traffic. Pedestrians and cyclists can now travel more safely through the underpass between platforms.

The scheme reduced any negative impact on vehicle movements by reconfiguring Mill Lane’s junction with Church Street.

Footways near to Darton train station were also widened and resurfaced to improve accessibility.

This scheme was funded via the Transforming Cities Fund, from central government, and delivered in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Elsecar station access scheme

Delivered in 2023

The scheme aimed to improve active travel connectivity between the station and the heritage centre.

From the station, heading south, footways along Fitzwilliam Street were widened. Cross points were improved and another crossing point was added. A new pedestrian and cycle track was constructed across the field between Fitzwilliam Street and the heritage centre off of Wath Road. The interventions will mean residents and visitors can travel between the two travel hotspots on a direct and all-weather active travel route.

This scheme was funded via the Transforming Cities Fund, from central government, and delivered in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

A635 active travel scheme

Delivered in 2024

The scheme delivered 3.6km of active travel route improvements along the A635 Doncaster Road in Ardsley and Darfield. The scheme adds to existing infrastructure and makes it safer and more convenient to travel actively between Goldthorpe and Stairfoot.

The scheme was funded by the Transforming Cities Fund, from central government, and delivered in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The improvements the scheme delivered are as follows:

• Widening of footways along the A635 Doncaster Road within Ardsley and Darfield and upgraded to shared use.
• Three new multi-modal crossing points within the Ardsley addressing concerns with safety and severance.
• Prohibition of motor vehicles on a section of Fitzwilliam Road, Darfield, creating a dedicated active travel lane.
• One new multi-modal crossing point across the A6195 to connect the improved route with existing infrastructure.

A61 Royston to town centre active travel scheme

Delivered in 2024

The scheme delivered 8.5km of improvements to sections of a continuous off-road active travel route between the town centre and Royston.

The aim of the scheme was to make it easier and encourage people to include active travel in all aspects of their lives. Better connected, more inclusive infrastructure is key in helping us achieve this goal.

 The improvements the scheme delivered are as follows:

• Creation of a new 3m wide all-weather active travel track on the former rail line between Lee Lane, Royston, and Bar lane, Mapplewell, branching off around Athersley North.
• Creation of a new route off of Smithies Lane improving access to existing track around New Lodge connecting to Bar Lane, Mapplewell.
• Widening of footways along Smithies Lane.
• Crossing upgrades and footway widening from the A61 gyratory up Harborough Hill Road as far as Mottram Street.

This scheme was delivered under budget and the unspent money made sure components from other schemes which connect to the main works were also delivered.

The following improvements were delivered using the schemes underspend:

• Footway widening along Bar Lane, Mapplewell.
• Widening and resurfacing of the Trans Pennine Trail between Oakwell and Stairfoot.
• Widening and resurfacing of routes within the Dearne Valley Park between the A61 gyratory and Grange Lane.

The scheme was funded via the Transforming Cities Fund, from central government, and delivered in partnership with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The images show the Bar Lane, Mapplewell to Lee Lane, Royston section of the A61 active travel scheme before and after the scheme delivery.