Following an extensive consultation last summer about the creation of new active travel routes for pedestrians and cyclists, work to widen an existing footpath to create a new route from Monkspath to Blythe Valley Park will start on Monday 5 June. The work follows the publication of a report in October and continued engagement with local residents and businesses.
The new route between Blythe Valley Park (BVP) – home to 3,500 employees – and Monkspath aims to improve opportunities for active travel by creating a safe and accessible route for walking and cycling. It will incorporate the eastern side of the A34 (Stratford Road) from Huskisson Way to Monkspath Hall Road, using the current verge space and will not affect the current road layout. New pedestrian crossings will also be included.
The route will connect with existing and recently constructed walking and cycling schemes such as Wildlife Ways and will support the local cycling and walking infrastructure plan. It will be funded through contributions from a Section 106 agreement with IM Properties who are the developers of Blythe Valley Park.
Alongside the creation of the walking and cycling route, road resurfacing will take place overnight – northbound 17 – 26 July and southbound 27 July – 7 August.
“We have listened to motorists, residents and local businesses and we will be starting this new route for cyclists and pedestrians on 5 June.
“Creating new safe and practical routes, like this one, between the places people live and work provides residents with more choice when it comes to planning journeys and getting around.
“Creating more healthy ways to travel also reduces air pollution and carbon emissions and will help the borough to achieve its zero carbon ambitions.”
In brief:
What is being done is making it easier for pedestrians and cyclists on the existing path from Monkspath to Northcutt’s and BVP. There is no impact on the road highway itself. If ever a walker or cycled pass each other on that stretch one will usually have to walk on the grass verge. In a situation where more and more people are walking and cycling that is not ideal, especially when the grass is wet.
Full details as to what is proposed can be found on my website post from last year (link below) – please note; only phases one and two are being taken forward at this stage – and I repeat – there will be no roadway space taken away.
You may also read the full proposals that were advertised last year. Again, I reiterate, phases 1 and 2 are being taken forward.
THis scheme is funded by Section 106 funds as a result of the BVP dvelopment.
Ken Hawkins 