A new, improved section of National Route 6 near Milton Keynes has just reopened with a ribbon cutting at Lodge Farm Business Centre, followed by a walk along the re-surfaced path.
The upgrades between Milton Keynes and Castlethorpe mean the path is now accessible for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and adapted cycles, as well as families with buggies.
Sustrans, the UK’s walking, wheeling and cycling charity, worked in partnership with Civil Water Management, CIJO Contractors Ltd and Milton Keynes Council to resurface this section of route and widen it to three metres.
A new drainage system along the traffic-free path, parts of which would frequently be flooded during winter has also been introduced. Strategically placed benches and rest points have also been added, providing a welcoming space for users to relax, and enjoy the scenery.
Project funding came from the Department for Transport’s Rural Transport Accelerator Programme, National Highways and Milton Keynes Council.
“I’m delighted to launch the new improved section of route between Milton Keynes and Castlethorpe,” said Nigel Brigham, Senior Engineer at Sustrans, “This part of the Network was narrow, uneven and frequently flooded, which was a big barrier to many people, particularly anyone using a mobility aid, pushing a buggy or riding a non-standard cycle.”
He added: “We’ve improved the drainage and widened the path. This will make the route accessible for many more people. Improving a route like this one means more people get to access nature, exercise and enjoy independent and sustainable travel along a pleasant, traffic-free path.”
Milton Keynes to Castlethorpe now has the potential to be a well-used green space for people walking, using a mobility aid, or cycling to work or to Wolverton station, to access local shops or services.
Sustrans is the custodian of the National Cycle Network, which includes more than 12,000 miles of walking, wheeling and cycling routes, around a third of which are traffic-free.
