Decision details

The report provides an update on progress on the Two Tunnels project and remaining actions needed to complete the project

(1) To AGREE that, subject to agreement with Sustrans under a Memorandum of Understanding, DfT’s Linking to Communities grant be accepted to complete the remaining off road section on Council land through the northern section of Linear Park, with the works to upgrade the existing permissive footpath to a permissive cycle track for use by pedestrians and cyclists to be constructed by the Council using its land ownership powers between the disused Somerset and Dorset Railway Bridge and Bellotts Road (Element 3);

(2) To NOTE that Sustrans under licence to Network Rail WILL re-open the disused Somerset and Dorset Railway bridge for pedestrians and cyclists on a temporary basis until the bridge is replaced as part of the mainline rail electrification works planned from 2015 onwards. The access arrangements on Council land through Linear Park and extent of the Works on Linear Park are to be agreed with the Council.

(3) To AGREE that the Council will enter into agreements with Network Rail for the adoption and maintenance of a new replacement foot/cycle bridge provided by Network Rail as part of the mainline rail electrification works;

(4) To ACCEPT the DfT Cycle Safety Grant for the purpose of implementing the 2 Tunnels Northern Links scheme in accordance with the grant conditions and agreed Memorandum of Understanding with Sustrans;

(5) To AGREE that subject to planning conditions being met, Claude Avenue Cycle Link is constructed by the Council between Claude Avenue and the 2 Tunnels Greenway funded by the LSTF WEST project; and

(6) To AUTHORISE the Divisional Director for Environmental Services:

(i) to negotiate and enter into any necessary agreements with Network Rail to facilitate the adoption and maintenance of the cycle/footbridge and seek to minimise future maintenance costs.

(ii)  to agree the Memorandum of Understanding with Sustrans to access funding allocated to Element 3 and Northern Link projects from the DfT Cycle Safety Fund and Links to Communities Fund.

The completed 2 Tunnels Greenway will be an attractive and continuous cycle route along the Riverside Path through the centre of Bath and along the Kennett & Avon Canal, with a new local link provided to Claude Avenue.

A route connecting the 2 Tunnels Greenway to the Riverside Path across the Lower Bristol Road and along Windsor Bridge Road was considered, but the volume of traffic and lack of controlled crossing points for cyclists to use ruled this option out.