Shiphay Lane Crossing and Access Improvements

We want to improve the opportunities to travel on foot or by cycle around the Bay. Torbay Council was successful in receiving grant funding from the Government’s Active Travel Fund (ATF4) to deliver a new Toucan crossing and access improvements at Shiphay Lane. The creation of a new crossing and new entrance will together create a much more desirable and safer link from Rainbow Drive to the Torbay Hospital path, which together form part of the ‘Hospital Trail’. This route has been identified as important within Torbay’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

These works will occur in two phases. The first phase will begin in June and end by August, this will involve dismantling then reconstructing the walls at the Rainbow Drive (leading from Rowcroft) exit on to Shiphay Lane to create a repositioned vehicular entrance and a new, separate entrance for pedestrians and cycles, linked directly to the new crossing. The second phase will begin from September and involve installing traffic signals at the crossing and providing new road markings. Once phase 2 is complete the crossing will be fully operational for use.

A plan of the works and a ‘before and after’ visualisation of the completed scheme can be viewed below.

How the new crossing will affect traffic flow and pedestrian waits

We have carefully considered the impact of the new crossing on vehicular traffic and people using the crossing. We recognise that Shiphay Lane is a key route for vehicles and therefore we have taken steps to particularly minimise the impact on traffic, whilst also providing an acceptable experience for users of the crossing.

Smart technology will ensure that the crossing is linked and operates in conjunction with the lights that operate on Newton Road. The crossing will be limited to activate once during every cycle of traffic lights, when demanded (i.e. the button is pressed by someone at the crossing). The Newton Road traffic lights run on a 120 second cycle. This means that, depending on when someone presses the button, a person could wait up to a maximum of 120 seconds before the crossing is activated. Or to put it another way, if the crossing is activated every cycle there will be a period of 120 seconds of traffic flowing through the crossing and 5 seconds where the crossing is activated giving people time to safely cross. This phasing has been designed taking into account surveys and modelling of the impact on traffic and pedestrians.

What to expect during construction

On Shiphay Lane, disruption will be kept to a minimum throughout the duration of the works but there will be some impact on local traffic. Temporary traffic lights and/or a partial lane closure 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 schools and commuters.

Access for vehicles exiting Rainbow Drive via Rowcroft Hospice will be restricted for one week from 23 June, so the Avenue Road exit should be used instead. It is anticipated there will be a further closure for 1 week from the week commencing 21 July. Rowcroft Hospice have been engaged in the formulation of this plan for the works.

Access for pedestrian and cycle users of the Hospital Trail path, from Crownhill Rise to Shiphay Lane, will also be restricted for a duration of 1 week only (from 23 June). Signage will be in place to advise all users.

Proposed improvements to Rainbow Drive steps

We will also prepare a separate scheme to deliver a new ramp, adjacent to the existing steps, which will provide an alternative step-free access option for users. Work has begun on the design and this will be progressed this year with a view to starting construction, subject to funding, in 2026. The new ramp should significantly improve the ability of people to use the Hospital Trail, including particularly those using bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility aids, mobility scooters and pushchairs. Taken together, both the Shiphay Lane crossing and access improvements and the future ‘Rainbow Ramp’ are anticipated to bring substantial benefits to the community making the route accessible to all.