Plans are under way to create the next stage of the popular Plymstock cycle path – including opening a blocked-off rail bridge under Colesdown Hill.
The section of former railway line from Colesdown Hill back onto Elburton Road is to be made into a route that is accessible to walkers, cyclists, mobility scooters and parents with pushchairs.
This stage of the project follows the completion of an 800-metre stretch along the old railway line from Saltram Meadow roundabout to Colesdown Hill last year.
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This is part of a route following the alignment of an old railway line, which has been completed in phases starting with the opening of Laira Rail Bridge to walkers and cyclists in 2015.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet member for Strategic Transport and Infrastructure, said:
“This route has proved very popular with walkers and cyclists and bit by bit we are extending it further east into Plymstock towards Sherford.
“More people are getting on their bikes and making sure there are safe and pleasant alternatives to cycling on, or walking alongside, busy roads – where we can – is the right thing to do. With 30 per cent of our carbon emissions coming from transport, we need to do our bit to encourage walking and cycling for all abilities.”
The design for this latest extension is being worked on ahead of a planning application which is due to be submitted in January. The whole scheme is estimated to cost £2,800,000 with funding awarded by Active Travel and other external funders. Therefore the scheme would not add any extra burden on the council’s resources and once complete, would encourage more people to travel more sustainably from Plymstock using the Plymstock cycle path.
The design for the latest stretch is being worked on before a planning application is submitted. If all goes according to plan, work could start in the autumn.
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