WORK is set to begin on a new crossing for pedestrians and cyclists linking Maidenhead town centre with homes in the north of the town.

The toucan crossing, which will be across the A4 St Cloud Way, will connect the new St Cloud Way development on the former Magnet Leisure Centre and Ten Pin Bowling sites.

It will also connect other properties north of St Cloud Way, with the town centre by providing a link between Holmanleaze and the Hines Meadow car park.

Work will begin on Wednesday, August 30 and last approximately six weeks.

The work will be carried out in phases and will require the closure of single lanes on each side of the dual carriageway, eastbound and westbound.

It will also require an overnight road closure between 9pm on Sunday, October 15 and 5am on Monday, October 16.

The crossing will replace the footbridge over St Cloud Way that was demolished last year.

It will also be an alternative route for walkers and cyclists using the recently completed Missing Links route near Town Moor.

The current subway under St Cloud Way will remain.

Cabinet member for highways and transport, councillor Geoff Hill, said: “I’m pleased to see work on this crossing start and I’m sure it will be a welcome improvement for cyclists and walkers once completed.

“While I understand that this work is likely to bring some temporary disruption for road users, we will be striving to keep this to a minimum and we thank people for their patience while these works take place.”

The project forms another part of the council’s investment into active travel in Maidenhead, encouraging walking and cycling to and from the town centre.