Pupils open next phase of Bridgwater A38 Active Travel Corridor with pedal power
Released On 4th Dec 2022
A new cycling and walking route boasting eco-friendly lighting and forming part of an extensive and growing network has been opened in Bridgwater.
Children from Eastover Primary School were the first to cycle the new route this week, the next phase in the town’s off-road A38 Active Travel Corridor. The 1km path runs alongside the River Parrett from Bridgwater’s Express Park to the Saltlands Bridge.
The new safe route for cyclists and pedestrians, jointly funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund and Hinkley Point C, and delivered by contractor Milestone, will eventually stretch from the Gravity site at Puriton to Bridgwater town centre.
In addition, it follows the route of The England Coast Path National Trail, a long-distance walking route which will eventually be available around the whole of the English coast.
The new pathway will form a significant addition to an extensive existing network in and around the town which is available to view on the Bridgwater Way interactive route map here – Cycle Route Map and Journey Planner (thebridgwaterway.co.uk).
Following recent delivery of the toucan crossings of A38 Bristol Road and associated link to Ascot Drive, the path is an essential component of linking the town centre to the area of northeast Bridgwater.
Other work is already underway to link Express Park to Dunball, and plans are continuing to be developed on the next stretch of the A38 Active Travel Corridor between Saltlands Bridge and the town centre through Bridgwater Docks and Northgate Yard.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Transport and Digital, led the opening ceremony attended by a range of partners and community leaders including Bridgwater’s Mayor Cllr Liz Leavy.
