New active travel route planned
RESIDENTS are getting the chance to have their say on proposals to close a missing link in Swansea’s growing traffic-free walking and cycling network.
Plans have been unveiled aiming to create a safe walking and cycling route between Elba Sports centre in Gowerton and Loughor’s Culfor Road via Pont-ycob Road.
At the moment there’s no footpath between the two locations and the only provision for cyclists is a painted advisory route on a narrow main road.
If the proposals are approved for funding by Welsh Government, locals will be able to enjoy a safe, accessible connection that will help join both communities to the council’s 120km network of cycling and walking routes.
Andrew Stevens, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said the proposed scheme will be a significant improvement for people who walk, cycle and drive along this route.
He said: “The road between Gowerton and Loughor is not at all friendly for cyclists or pedestrians at the moment. There’s no footpath and the painted cycle lanes each side of the road don’t offer much protection for cyclists.
“At the heart of the new scheme will be a three-metre-wide path on Pont-y-cob Road that can be shared between walkers and cyclists with an additional 0.5m verge between them and motor traffic.
“The road itself will not be narrowed for traffic and some stretches of the 1.2mile path will be entirely off-road for the benefit of pedestrians and cyclists alike.”
He added: “We’re urging residents who live in or travel through this area to take a look at the draft proposals and join in the consultation which is now live and closes on December 2.”
Feedback from the consultation will be taken into account during a follow-up detailed design and funding bid stage. If the scheme is approved by Welsh Government, the council will be given a grant to construct the improvements.
Cllr Stevens said: “Over the last few years, Swansea has enjoyed a big expansion of its cycling and pedestrian network. Most recently we completed a route breathing new life into a disused railway line linking Grovesend and Pontarddulais.
“Earlier this year we secured £7m of Welsh Government funding allowing us to deliver projects like the Grovesend route, and develop future links, including the Gowerton to Loughor project on which we’re consulting now.
“At the moment Swansea boasts more than 120km of pedestrian and cycling routes which are proving extremely popular with both commuters and families looking for a free day out during the cost of living crisis.
“Making active travel an attractive option in this way is an important factor in achieving our ambition of tackling climate change and supporting people’s physical and mental health and I would urge people to go online and have their say.”
To have your say about the Pont-y-cob Road plans go to www.swansea.gov.uk/activetravelpontycob
There will also be an in-person drop in at the Elba Sports Centre from 9.30am to 3pm on November 23 and a virtual dropin session the following day online from 7pm to 8pm.
For a quick guide to all the latest news about the council’s active travel routes and to find one near year to enjoy go to: www.swansea.gov.uk/article/16983/ Active-travel