Construction Set to Start on Second Phase of £48 Million Cycling Path

The second stage of a new 26-mile (42km) walking and cycling pathway is scheduled to commence in January. The initial section of Gloucestershire’s A435 cycleway, extending from the Honeybourne Line to the Cheltenham Racecourse roundabout, has been finished and is currently accessible. This subsequent phase, which begins on 6 January, will establish a connection between the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) bridge and the Bishop’s Cleeve roundabout. Gloucestershire County Council anticipates that the £48m project will promote greater adoption of sustainable transportation and contribute to its objective of achieving carbon net zero by 2045. Montel Civil Engineering Ltd, a contractor, has secured the agreement to construct the second phase. This firm will build a segment between Wellington Road and Central Cross Drive, located close to Pittville Park in Cheltenham, designed to integrate with the completed work from section one. Enhanced pedestrian and cycle crossings are also slated for installation at the intersection of Wellington Road and the A435 Evesham Road. Motorists have received advisories regarding potential disruptions caused by temporary traffic signals, alongside a complete road closure scheduled from 14 to 16 January, operating between 20:00 and 06:00 GMT. Councillor David Gray, who holds the cabinet portfolio for environment, economy, and planning, stated: “It’s great news that work on the next section of the A435 cycleway is about to get under way and we’d like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while these works take place.” He added: “This is a key part of the 26-mile walking and cycling route we’re building across the county which will reduce carbon emissions and encourage active travel, helping us to create a greener Gloucestershire.”