Work to create a rail crossing which will connect the Sugar Way
development with Botolph Green will begin in September 2010.
The new Western Link will allow cyclists and
pedestrians to cross both the main route of the Nene Valley Railway
and Fletton branch line by connecting the footpath and cycleway
from Driffield Way on the Sugar Way development with the footpath
and cycleway running from Botolph Green alongside the River
Nene.
The crossing will create an essential link to
the Toll House and Wellingtonia primary cycle network routes, as
well as leading into the route which runs adjacent to the River
Nene towards Ferry Meadows.
The project is a partnership between
Peterborough City Council, Nene Valley Railway and Nene Park Trust.
The work is being carried out by Ringway Infrastructure
Services.
The work will involve the relocation by 50
metres of an existing crossing on the Nene Valley Railway and the
construction of 65 metres of cycleway and footpaths, including
drainage and boundary railings.
Councillor Peter Hiller, the city council's
cabinet member for housing, neighbourhoods and planning, said: "I
know this work will come as good news to local residents as it will
make it easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians to get from
the Sugar Way development to Botolph Green without having to use
nearby roads.
"It will also open up the cycle network to
residents and give them easier access to attractions such as Ferry
Meadows. Encouraging as many people as possible to use sustainable
methods of transport builds on our growing reputation as the UK's
environment capital.”
Barry Kirk, the city council's infrastructure
planning and delivery group manager, said: "This new crossing will
make this area more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians by
directly linking up two areas which were not previously connected
by a single crossing. The new crossing will be of a higher quality
than the existing crossing and will be made safer through the
addition of boundary fences to the new footways and crossing area
and improvements to signage."
The work is scheduled to start on Sunday 12
September 2010 and is expected to take 10 weeks.