Emsworth to Chichester journey will be made safer by new route
A new cycle and walking route is to be created linking Emsworth with Chichester.
The seven-mile off-road route will link Chichester city centre with Emsworth, along the A259.
The route, currently part of the national cycle network route two, will link into Centurion Way and other local routes on the Manhood peninsula towards Chichester.
It will also link several schools and St Richard’s Hospital and will enable more people to leave their cars at home and cycle or walk safely to places of employment or education, helping improve air quality. Since 2015, Highways England has invested more than £85m towards 160 new and upgraded cycleways, providing safe, attractive and accessible facilities.
Cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders will see more benefits over the next five years, with £169m set aside in Highways England’s new users and communities fund.
Highways England chief executive Jim O’sullivan said: “We care about everyone who uses our road network and improved cycling opportunities have obvious benefits for health, safety and the wider environment.
“During the pandemic it is especially important we can create opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians, not barriers to their journeys as people return to work.”
The Chichester/emsworth scheme is being developed by Highways England with West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council.
Roger Elkins, county council cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “I welcome the news that Highways England is taking this shared cycleway/walkway scheme forward to the next stage – the detailed design phase.
“This route has been identified as a major cycle link between Chichester and Emsworth.
“We know it’s likely to be well used by cyclists and pedestrians. It is an important link between large residential and employment areas, and provides access to schools, local amenities, and leisure facilities. This is why we have identified it as a priority in our West Sussex walking and cycling strategy.”
Cllr Penny Plant, cabinet member for the environment and contract services at Chichester District Council, said: “We are delighted Highways England are moving this project to the next stage. We know green transport is something that our residents, workers and visitors are very passionate about, and as a council, we are too.
“It’s great to see local initiatives coming forward that we hope will encourage people to think about how they travel, and encourage them to switch to walking or cycling.”