Advanced works on a new public travel route for Harlow & Gilston Garden Town are due to begin between Burnt Mill Roundabout and Harlow Town Centre this month.
Known as a sustainable transport corridor, the route will connect the new homes at Gilston with the train station and town centre.
The corridor, along the A1019, is a key part of the transport infrastructure being delivered to make it easier for people to travel sustainably in the future.
Funded as part of Homes England’s £172million investment to support the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town programme, the work will see the creation of segregated walking and cycleway infrastructure and a rapid transit bus lane, providing services into and from the town every few minutes.
HGGT Director, Naisha Polaine, said:
“These preparation works are the first steps towards transformational growth for Harlow & Gilston.
“The sustainable transport corridors will be the public travel network that will serve as the heartbeat of the future Garden Town.
“It will give priority to walking, cycling and rapid bus routes, giving real choice to people in how they move around the local area.
“Active travel modes of transport will create a healthier population and help combat CO2 emissions locally.”
The advanced works, taking around two months, will see the removal of a number of trees, vegetation and scrub along the planned footprint of the scheme in order to provide the required space ahead of construction and for the diversion of utilities. As part of these works, a number of unsuitable, diseased and dying trees will also be removed.
To replace and supplement the greenspace a substantial tree planting scheme is planned as part of the main works, with an increased number of semi-mature trees due to be planted and a 5-year maintenance plan in place to ensure they become established. Landscaping is also planned along the route to create areas of habitat and bio-diversity, while also creating a nice environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
Robert Halfon MP added:
“I am proud that Harlow is a growing town, with more and more people choosing to call Harlow home.
“As our town expands, it is important that we ensure sustainable transport options are available to everyone, improving access to our town centre and regional transport links whilst also protecting our local environment and cherishing our green spaces.
“The works along the A1019 in Harlow will deliver sustainable travel for everybody in our town.
“Upon completion of the works, there will be new walking, cycling and bus lanes to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety for all road users.
“I am also pleased that the works continue to prioritise our green spaces. Whilst some tree removal is required to begin the works, once completed, the number of trees will increase with significant improvement to the green corridor along this route.”
Councillor Russell Perrin, Leader of Harlow Council, said:
"Improving road and transport connections across Harlow is absolutely vital, particularly as part of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town. These works will allow for a key sustainable transport scheme connecting Gilston, the train station, the town centre and other key areas in the town. They will increase sustainable transport options such as new walking, cycling and bus routes and benefit existing residents, helping to make the town a safer, greener, healthier and more sustainable place to live and work.
“We are working closely with Essex County Council to ensure these works are carried out as smoothly as possible. Whilst some trees are being removed to enable the works, these will all be replaced with semi-mature trees with long-term maintenance plans to ensure they flourish. More trees will be planted than removed and a number of trees being removed are diseased, dying or affected by ash dieback. The nearby Town Park will not be impacted. No trees from the Town Park or the row of trees along the boundary of the park will be removed. These works will actually enhance the natural environment and there will be other landscaping improvements along the corridor.
“This is another major step in improving road and transport connections across the town, following the opening of the new M11 junction 7a earlier this year."
For further details about the sustainable corridor please visit the Essex Highways