Hello,
In HarBUG’s submission to the Local Transport Plan we put forward an idea to build an outer ring around the Milton Interchange for cyclists and pedestrians. There has been progress with this.
Steventon Rail Path. This is an existing path that runs parallel to railway from Steventon to Milton Park. This is already used by cyclists but very rough in places. The path is due to be widened and re-surfaced. Currently in discussions with landowners to get a better access point in Steventon.
Milton Park. Milton Park are proposing a series of improvements to make cycling easier around the park, this will include linking the end od the Steventon Rail Path to the Backhill Tunnel.
Backhill Tunnel. This is a former disused tunnel under the railway just before the Milton Interchange and will be a cut through into Milton Park. This is currently under construction. There will be a new crossing on the A4130 but details about this is sketchy.
Didcot, Valley Park North West. This is the extension of Didcot up to the A34. The County Council has agreed with the developers that a shared use path will be built linking the Backhill Tunnel up to the Milton Heights Bridge although this may be a few years away.
Milton Heights Bridge. The County Council has secured funding from the developers of new houses at Milton Heights to pay for a new cyclists / pedestrian bridge across the A34. There are currently discussions with the developers about when they will make the money available and any new bridges across the A34 have to be approved by the Highways Agency.
Milton Heights Development. From the plans of the new housing there will be a route through to the Steventon Hill Traffic Lights.
Steventon Hill Traffic Lights. There was a consultation for road improvements inbetween the Featherbed Lane Junction and the Steventon Hill Lights, a few years back now. We raised objections as they were not cycle friendly. No changes have been made to the designs but this project is being reviewed so there may be opportunities to include some changes to benefit cyclists.
The Milton Outer Ring will provide an alternative route for cyclists to the Harwell Campus from Abingdon. The full Outer Ring is a few years away yet but it is good that it has been identified and acted upon.