Towpath improvement scheme gets underway
08/06/09 Work starts next week to improve a pedestrian and cycling route along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath stretching from Kirkstall Brewery Halls of Residence up to Armley Mills, with plans to extend up to the Leeds Metropolitan University Civic Quarter campus, the University of Leeds campus, and into the city centre.
The joint project is being delivered by Leeds City Council, British Waterways, Sustrans and Leeds Metropolitan University with part funding from Cycling England. The scheme will deliver additional benefits to the universities-based UTravelActive project by improving conditions for walking and cycling for students, as well as other users of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath and Aire Valley towpath route.
Phased works will be undertaken over approximately a 20-week period, during which time sections of the towpath will need to be closed. Works will commence on 29 June and are anticipated to be completed by late October 2009. Diversion notices will be displayed where appropriate.
Councillor Andrew Carter, joint leader and executive member for development and regeneration said:
“This work is an important step in improving cycling and pedestrian facilities for the people of Leeds.
“Cycle routes are a crucial part of our bid to tackle congestion on the city’s roads, and I hope that this new, improved route will encourage more people to opt for a more environmentally-friendly mode of transport whilst getting some exercise.
“I am sure that, once completed, the route will prove very popular with students in Kirkstall, as well as commuters heading into the city centre.”
Jo Keegan, regeneration, funding & projects officer for British Waterways Yorkshire said:
“The Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath is particularly well used by a range of users, including walkers, cyclists and runners. This partnership has helped to deliver real improvements to a multi-user route so more people can benefit from all that the waterways can offer.
“This scheme is the latest of a series of towpath upgrades and we’re keen to continue this progress by working with a range of user groups and local authorities to expand the mileage available to our users.”
David Hall, Sustrans’ regional director for Yorkshire said:
"Sustrans is pleased to have been able to support this project with £100,000 in funding from the Links to School programme. The programme works in partnership with local authorities to connect schools, colleges and communities to the 12,000 miles of the National Cycle Network. It is vital that we do whatever we can to support people to cycle and walk across Leeds."
Published by: Travel Actively on Wednesday July 08 2009
