West Sussex County Council is developing the A286 Oaklands Way cycle scheme. The project will improve walking and cycling facilities between Chichester city centre, Oaklands Park and the University of Chichester.
The route will connect:
- Northgate Gyratory
- Oaklands Way
- Franklin Place bus stop
- College Lane
- University of Chichester
The scheme will also link with active travel improvements planned by Chichester District Council, including the Oaklands Park route.
The West Sussex Transport Plan 2022 to 2036 and the Chichester Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) identify Oaklands Way as an important route for walking and cycling.
Scheme aims
The scheme will create a continuous shared route for people walking and cycling on the northern side of Oaklands Way. Some sections will have wider shared paths. Where trees or street furniture limit the available space, the path may be narrower.
The scheme aims to:
- provide a safer and more direct route for people walking and cycling
- reduce conflict between cyclists, buses and other traffic
- improve access to the University of Chichester
- support healthier and lower-carbon travel choices
- connect with future active travel improvements at Oaklands Park
Proposed improvements
Current proposals include:
- a shared path for people walking and cycling between Northgate Gyratory and College Lane
- improvements around the Franklin Place bus stop
- clearer routes and improved crossing points
- managing trees and plants along the route
- moving signs and lighting columns a little where needed
Latest update
We are developing the design for the scheme.
We have completed:
- a survey of the area and its existing features (topographical survey)
- a tree survey and report
- developing the preliminary design
- an initial road safety review (known as an RSA1)
We are now refining the design and preparing for public consultation.
Public consultation
We plan to hold a 6-week public consultation between October and November 2026. This will give residents, local groups and people who use the route an opportunity to comment on the proposals.
We will use feedback from the consultation to help shape the final design and make sure it reflects local needs and priorities.
You can find information about previous consultations on our consultation pages.
We will publish details of the upcoming consultation when available.
Next steps
We expect to complete the preliminary design stage by January 2027. If funding is available, we will then develop the detailed design.
Construction will depend on future funding and approvals. We will update this page when we confirm the next stages of the project.
Timeline
The current estimated timelines are:
- October to November 2026: public consultation
- January 2027: preliminary design complete
- 2027: detailed design, subject to funding
Construction will depend on future funding and approvals.