Work to expand walking, cycling network

AN important project to expand the network that connects Newton Abbot and its surrounding area is under way, with work to create a safe and convenient route for residents and visitors to walk, or cycle between the town centre and Ogwell.

Once completed, the Ogwell Link project will increase opportunities for families to be active, enjoy nature and reduce their car journeys by walking or cycling to school or work, or to the town centre’s facilities.

The Ogwell Link project will be delivered in two phases. The first, which will be completed in May, includes road improvements to Steppes Meadow access to Bakers Park car park. The previously unowned road will become adopted and maintained by Devon County Council, which will benefit all road users and residents living on Steppes Meadow.

A stretch of new route created alongside the tennis courts in Bakers Park will also open once the second phase, which is subject to funding, has been completed. New signage will be provided along the existing, hard-surfaced path to the tennis courts. Work is expected to take place from April for four to six weeks depending on the weather.

While this first phase of work takes place, car parking at Bakers Park will be unavailable and there will be no vehicular access to Steppes Meadow.

Alternative off-street parking can be found at Bradley Lane and Venture Court.

Plans for the second phase of the work will include extending the walking and cycling route to Beverley Way, creating a new formal road crossing to link over Totnes Road into Bradley Road and creating a link into Ogwell via an off-road path into Buntings Close.