A new toucan crossing will significantly improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists in Goole’s J36 employment area.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is installing the new crossing to address concerns around pedestrian safety and ensure the continued growth of the employment area.

The crossing will replace the existing pedestrian refuge island on the A161 Tom Pudding Way, enhancing safety and improving the connection between the expanding employment area to the north and the main Siemens manufacturing site and Oakhill Country Park to the south.

The work was due to start next week, but has been delayed due to a shortage of materials.

Work to install the toucan crossing is now due to start on Monday, 13 November, and will take about three weeks to complete. Temporary two-way traffic signals will be in operation intermittently throughout this period.

The need for improved infrastructure in the area has become evident as interest and investment in the industry and housing continues to increase, including Siemens Mobility’s new rail manufacturing facility, an 800-home Beal Homes development and plans to unlock the Goole Freeport tax site.

Recent traffic surveys conducted by the council showed an increase in the volume of traffic, as well as highlighting the speed and size of the vehicles using the road.

The surveys also showed that a growing number of cyclists were using the existing crossing.

Councillor Anne Handley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:

“The council is committed to ensuring a safe and accessible environment for residents, visitors, and businesses in the region.

“This project represents a significant step towards improving a safer and more of the J36 Goole area, supporting the region’s continued growth and development.

“An improved, safer walking route to the Oakhill Nature Reserve from the new housing development will also provide benefits for community wellbeing.”

The project is funded for by the council’s Enterprise Zone Retained Business Rates Fund.