Ground Broken on Cycleway Between Northolt and Southall
Aims to provide better connections with towpath via Kensington Road
Cllr Deirdre Costigan (third from left) with a shovel
August 22, 2023
Work has commenced on a new cycleway which will eventually provide a new link between Northolt and Southall connecting with the canal towpath on Kensington Road.
The project which is part of Ealing Council’s Visions for Northolt has received additional funding from the UK Government’s Levelling-up Fund.
Councillor Deirdre Costigan, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, broke ground on the scheme on Friday 18 August.
The project will include changes to footways, crossing points, lighting, planting and signage that aim to benefit pedestrians and other road users.
The intention is to create a route for cyclists away from heavy traffic by providing easier and safer access to the towpath. This means riders can then travel on to Central London and the west of the city.
Kensington Road connects to the A40, which means the motor traffic volumes and speeds are higher than average. The road is currently too narrow for large vehicles to overtake cyclists safely without crossing the centre line.
Councillor Costigan said, “At the moment, cycling along Kensington Road can be very daunting, as you’re sharing space with heavy motor traffic. Creating this high-quality cycle route solves that problem.
“We are working to create a network of cycle routes across the borough that will make it easier and safer to ride your bike.
“Cycling improves people’s mental and physical health and encouraging people to cycle to work or for leisure reduces the dirty air from polluting cars on our streets.”
The changes are the first to be implemented as part of the Visions for Northolt scheme. The council says that hundreds of residents and businesses have already told it about their priorities, including building wider pavements, more pedestrian crossings, additional bicycle lanes and extra trees.
Plans for Ealing Road and Kensington Road were consulted on last year. Proposals for Mandeville Road and Church Road were also consulted on earlier this year.
Connections to and from the Kensington Road will be changed, with new and upgraded crossings, widened paths, and wayfinding signage. These measures aim to maximise the usefulness of the cycle route, with a wide variety of journey start and end points.
A Travel in Ealing Charter was launched last year setting out how the council will work with residents to improve local transport projects. Among the commitments is investing £35m in improving roads, tracks and pavements. The council says at least £10m will be invested in increasing cycling, walking, running and scooting and reducing pollution from traffic through active travel schemes.
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