We have made a number of recent improvements to active travel routes across Newport thanks to grants from the Welsh Government.
Fourteen Locks
Work has been completed on resurfacing the active travel route at the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre in Rogerstone.
The work has seen the route, which forms part of Route 47 of the National Cycle Network, resurfaced from the canal centre down to Pensarn Cottage.
New barriers have also been installed along the entrances to the towpaths which allow easier access for wheelchair users.
The previous path was uneven, and feedback from walkers and cyclists had indicated that it was difficult to use, particularly in winter months.
This project complemented works that have taken place in previous years to improve the entire stretch of the canal tow path, from the border with Caerphilly county through to Barrack Hill.
Coed Melyn
We carried out improvements at Coed Melyn following on from feedback from users about the condition of the existing path.
The path was also identified as a potential off road cycling route from Risca Road through the open space down to Western Avenue.
Funding was secured from Welsh Government to implement enhancements to create an active travel route which resulted in a wider, smoother path surface that benefits users of all abilities.
The construction of the new path surface also incorporated special measures to protect roots of nearby trees.
The low level lighting installed on the path was designed with the environment in mind and to minimise effects on wildlife. Low level lighting is stipulated for areas with intrinsically dark landscapes, such as national parks.
Corporation Road and Nash Road
Identified through the Integrated Network Map consultation process, the Corporation Road and Nash Road projects were part of our Inner City Links active travel project.
The project saw construction of an active travel path along the west side of Corporation Road and construction of a path along Nash Road.
The routes link commercial and residential destinations south of the Southern Distributor Road, and form the foundational components of a wider active travel plan to improve connectivity between Nash Road and Corporation Road, as well as to the Newport International Sports Village.
These routes connect with existing active travel schemes and national cycle network routes that lead into the north and west of the city, connecting them with major employment sites and transport hubs.
Barrier Work
After a review of the barriers on active travel routes, we have undertaken work to replace 44 this year with new ones which comply with the Equalities Act.
Feedback has been received from various groups that it has opened up access for people that previously weren’t able to navigate the routes unaided.