Royston Railway Crossing
The Hitchin-Cambridge railway line in Royston is recognised as a significant barrier to pedestrians and cyclists travelling between the north and south of the town.
Hertfordshire County Council has been working with Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, via their Connect2 grant from the Big Lottery Fund, and North Hertfordshire District Council to provide a new crossing below the railway line. The new crossing will help bring the two sides of the town together, providing safe, high quality routes for pedestrians, cyclists and the mobility impaired connecting communities north and south of the railway line.
The crossing will take the form of a new cycle and pedestrian subway linking Green Street and Burns Road. Works began in early March 2011 with some hedge clearance, with the main construction works starting later in the same month. It is anticipated that the crossing will be completed in early 2012.
Funding
Hertfordshire County Council is leading the £3.8 million project and providing the majority of the funding. Other funds for the project have been provided by Sustrans Connect2 through the Big Lottery Fund, and a contribution from North Hertfordshire District Council.
Sustrans’ Connect2 contribution of £700,000 is part of a £50 million grant from the Big Lottery Fund for projects across the United Kingdom, via an arts project which links the 79 Connect2 projects across the country. The project takes the form of a portrait bench with life-size figures of local characters.
What happens next?
The current construction programme for the scheme is as follows, however it may be subject to change:
- Diversion of Utilities = 21st Mar to 9th Sep 2011
- Sheet Piling = 14th Sep to 12th Oct 2011
- Structure construction = 7th Oct to 12th Dec 2011
- Structure installation = 25th to 27th Dec 2011
- Drainage & Road construction = 12th Sep 2011 to 5th Mar 2012
- Completion = 30th March 2012
Who can I talk to about the project?
The Neighbourhood Liaison representative is Michael Gardner, contract manager for Birse Rail Ltd (07976 539 420).
All other queries should be directed to Hertfordshire Highways customer service centre on 0300 123 4047.
