Works to start on new Sustainable Transport Corridor for Harlow
Project will provide upgraded rapid bus services and sustainable transport links in town.
Work is set to get underway this month on new transport infrastructure to support the planned Harlow and Gilston Garden Town (HGGT).
Construction on the transformational new Sustainable Transport Corridor is set to formally start following the appointment of Bouygues UK Ltd as lead contractor.
Running from a redesigned junction at Burnt Mill along the A1019 to the town centre, the corridor will provide upgraded rapid bus services. It also includes walking and cycling links, new public realm, trees, signage and lighting.
Funded through the £172 million Housing Investment Grant, provided by Homes England and managed by Garden Town partner Hertfordshire County Council, the corridor is an important part of the new Garden Town’s transport infrastructure.
It will help to ensure the development links to the train station and town centre through good quality walking, cycling and bus rapid transit services.
Welcoming the start of construction, Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport at Essex County Council, said: “The new sustainable transport corridor offers a transformational opportunity and is a key part of ensuring that future development is delivered in the right way.
“Providing frequent hop-on hop-off rapid-bus services into and away from the town centre and linking shopping, leisure and train services with new and existing communities will reduce the need for car use for very short journeys and help further drive forward the local economy.
“We recognise that to encourage walking and cycling, we need to remove the barriers and through this project we will provide new segregated walking and cycling surfaces, lighting, signage, seating and cycle storage, linking the future Gilston development and existing communities such as at the Hides, with the wider cycle network.”
HGGT Director, Naisha Polaine, said: “Work beginning on the Sustainable Transport Corridor network is a huge moment for the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town project and is the start of our commitment to give residents more travel options for the future.
“Ever since Government gave Harlow and Gilston the status of a Garden Town project in 2017, HGGT’s five council partnership has been very clear on the objectives for transport across the local area and that’s providing alternatives to using cars for local journeys.
“The new route will give priority to walking, cycling and rapid bus transit, creating a culture of active travel that’s quick, safe and good for the environment while generating a healthier population.”
Councillor Michael Hardware, Harlow Council portfolio holder for economic development, said: "Improving road and transport connections in Harlow is absolutely vital and we are working hard to secure investment into our town.
"This scheme will allow for a key sustainable transport scheme connecting Gilston, the train station and the town centre increasing the options available to residents, local workers, and visitors such as new walking, cycling and bus route. The new corridor will improve a key gateway in and out of our town.
“This scheme isn’t just about the future as it will benefit our existing residents too, helping to make the town a safer, greener, healthier, and more sustainable place to live and work.”
For more information on the project, visit www.essexhighways.org/harlow-sustainable-transport-corridors.