Sustrans announce Two Tunnels Greenway launch event for Saturday 6th April 2013
Event details on Facebook today
“Sustrans are delighted to announce that the eagerly anticipated Two Tunnels Greenway shared cycle and walking path will open on Saturday 6 April 2013.
The path will run through Linear Park, on through the disused Devonshire (at Bloomfield) and Combe Down railway tunnels, and over the magnificent Tucking Mill Viaduct. At over a mile long, the Combe Down tunnel will be the longest cycling tunnel in Europe and will feature an interactive light and sound installation.
The virtually flat route will bring together local communities, enabling them to make every day journeys to local schools, shops, work and leisure, by foot or by bike. The path is expected to attract one million journeys every year by both local people and visitors to Bath.
The route will cut under some of south Bath’s most daunting hills, and link into the National Cycle Network, to Radstock and as far as Bournemouth in the south and the Bath-Bristol cycle path in the west, as well as creating a scenic 13 mile loop between Bath and Midford, then back again via the canal towpath.
Malcolm Shepherd, Chief Exec of Sustrans comments, “The iconic Two Tunnels Greenway is a flagship route on our National Cycle Network and will transform local community travel. We are delighted that it will also give children and families safe access to schools, parks and green spaces.”
Frank Tompson, Chair of the community based Two Tunnels Group says, “It’s been a long journey since some of us stood between the bricked-up Devonshire and Combe Down tunnels and said, ‘wouldn’t it be a good idea if…’ Six years on, and the end is in sight. We’re delighted that we have an opening date, and look forward to celebrating with our local community and visitors on the 6 April next year.”
Councillor Roger Symonds, Bath & North East Somerset Council Cabinet Member for Transport, added, “The Council is pleased that the opening date is set for what promises to be an historic day for cycling and walking. Different communities will be connected together via sustainable methods of transport and people will have much better opportunities to get on their bike or walk for leisure or to work. This is one of the most exciting and innovative projects in the country.”
Opening celebrations are planned on the 6 April 2013, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks.Sustrans are delighted to announce that the eagerly anticipated Two Tunnels Greenway shared cycle and walking path will open on Saturday 6 April 2013.