We cut a ribbon in the Cumbrian village of Lowca, last week, to mark the launch of £600,000 of new improvements on Route 72 (Hadrian's Cycleway).
The project team met with Councillor Andrew Semple (centre), who cut a ribbon to open the new path. CREDIT: Stuart Walker
This part of the route (also known as Hadrian’s Cycleway) is now much safer and more accessible for people walking, using a wheelchair, mobility aid or cycle.
Before the work took place the section running through the village took people onto a road with some challenging junctions.
There were also restrictive barriers on the traffic-free path going through Lowca Park, which prevented access for people using wheelchairs or buggies.
Thanks to funding from National Highways, we worked together with Cumberland Council to build a new off-road walking, wheeling and cycling path alongside Foundry Road and High Lowca.
The team created two new road crossings to help people access the route more safely, and widened the path through Lowca Park.
We also replaced inaccessible barriers, and installed new signs to help navigation.
The new route is safer, smoother and more accessible for everyone. CREDIT: Stuart Walker
The upgrades will help make it easier for more people to walk, wheel or cycle to work, school and shops in the area, as well as for leisure.
The scheme is part of our UK-wide programme to improve the National Cycle Network and build paths that more people can use to travel safely in their communities.
Carole Patrick, National Cycle Network Director, said:
“This project offers local people a safer, more attractive route away from motorised traffic, helping them to get to work, school and local services.
“It also creates a better experience for challenge riders on this section of Hadrian’s Cycleway. That’s a boost for local tourism on this well-loved long-distance coast-to-coast route between the Cumberland coast and Tyneside.”
Freda Rashdi, National Highways’ Head of Customer Journeys, said:
“These improvements help to give more people in the area the choice to use the route on short journeys and reduce traffic pressures on the A595 between Workington and Whitehaven, part of National Highways’ road network, and a vital link for local residents and businesses.
“We’re proud to use our Designated Funds to invest in the environment and communities living and working near our roads.”
Hadrian’s Cycleway is used by many local residents, as well as a popular challenge route. CREDIT: Stuart Walker
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“We are really pleased to see these improvements delivered in Lowca, helping to create a safer and more accessible route for everyone who wants to walk, wheel or cycle.
“This scheme builds on our wider work to improve connections along Hadrian’s Cycleway and supports safer everyday journeys to school, work and local services. By removing barriers and improving crossings, we are making it easier for people of all ages and abilities to get around.
“It is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership working, and we are grateful to National Highways and our delivery partners for helping bring these benefits to the local community.”
Route 72 on the National Cycle Network is also known as Hadrian’s Cycleway, a long-distance cycle path that runs from Cumberland to South Shields in Tyne & Wear.