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Work on the first phase of a ‘major’ walking and cycling route through Cambridge is set to begin this month.
The Chisholm Trail, which allows cyclists to travel on a mostly off-road route across the city from Cambridge North to Cambridge Station, is being funded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.
Together with the new Abbey Chesterton Bridge, which is funded by Cambridgeshire County Council, the trail aims to improve foot and cycle access to places such as the Cambridge Science Park and Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
Construction on the bridge is due to start first, and work will begin this month after contracts were awarded to Tarmac.
A pedestrian and cycle underpass at Newmarket Road is also planned as part of phase one, with work expected to begin in summer 2019.
The north-to-south trail, which closely follows the railway line, will be built in phases and is expected to be completed by 2020.
Councillor Ian Bates, transport portfolio holder for the Greater Cambridge Partnership and chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s economy and environment committee, said: “I am delighted that we have appointed Tarmac to deliver this visionary plan for a cross-city cycleway that has long been championed by the community.
“The Chisholm Trail will provide people with a safer and more attractive way to discover our city’s beautiful green spaces and it will also make it easier for people to access places of employment, education, our historic city centre and the main railway stations.”
Andy Brown, director of Tarmac’s infrastructure business, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Greater Cambridge Partnership and Cambridgeshire County Council to deliver phase one of this important scheme which will deliver significant benefits to local people.”
