Princess Mary's site - Sustainable travel links

We want your views about cycling and walking routes between Halton and Wendover to make better transport links in the local area.

Last autumn we carried out a consultation to find out what cycle and walking improvements you would prefer to see as part of the development at Princess Marys Hospital in Halton. The response showed there are four options.

A. Improve the existing cycleway next to Tring Road

B. Extend the existing cycleway to the Clock Tower

C. New cycle route in Manor Road to the schools.

D. New off road path from Tring Road to Manor Crescent

Designs have been done for each of the preferred options and we are now seeking your comments to help decide which scheme is taken forward and implemented later this year.

The aim of these improvements is to encourage cycling and walking in the local area. This will help to reduce car journeys and improve the local environment.

To find out more about each option, please click on the relevant option above (A-D), where you will find copies of the plans and estimate of cost of the scheme.

Next Steps

The results of this consultation will steer the decision on which proposals are taken forward to construction.  The final decision on the chosen routes will be made by the Cabinet Member for Transportation, envisaged to be in March/April 2010.  The final chosen schemes will be announced at the Local Area Forum in spring.

Option A - Improve the existing cycleway next to Tring Road

These routes are available to download at the bottom of this page

Scheme estimate: £43,000

By widening the footway and carrying out some improvements to the footway along Tring Road the cycleway from Halton will connect to the PMH site.  The footway will be widened to 3 metres where possible.

Option B - Extend the existing cycleway to the Clock Tower

These routes are available to download at the bottom of this page

Scheme estimate: £95,000

This proposal makes use of the existing old Tring Road, with the provision of on road advisory cycle lanes.  The existing traffic speeds and levels are low on old Tring Road making on-road lanes a viable option according to Department for Transport guidance.

The route then continues on the pavement at the Honey Banks turning with a widened and renewed surface up to 3 metres in width.  A priority raised crossing is proposed for Hale Road, improving the continuity of the route for all users especially visually impaired and wheelchair users.  The route will end at the junction of the Clock Tower where the proposal is to widen the footway on the corner to 2metres improving pedestrian safety on this corner making it easier for people to pass each other without the need to step out into the road.  The vehicle tracking modelling carried out on this proposal indicates that at 2 metres wide the roundabout will still be negotiable by even the largest lorries on the road.

Option C -  New cycleway in Manor Road to the schools

These routes are available to download at the bottom of this page

Scheme estimate: £114,000

Making use of the existing Toucan Crossing over Tring Road this route will remain on the footway along Manor Road to the entrance of the school.  The footway will be widened to a maximum of 3 metres where possible. 

Option D – New off road path from Tring Road to Manor Crescent

These routes are available to download at the bottom of this page

Scheme estimate: £206,000

The proposed route will cross Tring Road at the newly constructed roundabout and continue on a widened resurfaced path to the field entrance.  The route will then continue along side the hedge line joining the existing bridleway at Manor Crescent.

It is not intended to install lighting on this route, as it’s primary function will be to provide access to the Wendover School campus which will normally be during daylight hours.

The field is greenbelt land and the cost estimate does not include land or legal costs.

Background information

• As a result of the new residential development at the Princess Mary's Hospital site, £170,000 funding has been secured to improve sustainable transport links from the development to Wendover.

• The development includes 400 residential dwellings, convenience store, Multiple Sclerosis Centre, associated open space and car parking.

• Buckinghamshire County Council has a planning agreement with the developers of the site, which includes a financial contribution of £170,000 towards the cycle network improvements.

• The total cost of the preferred options is much more than the contribution of £170,000, but depending on the scheme chosen it may be possible to submit a bid for additional funding to increase the amount available.

• The programme for delivery of the project is dependent on funding being made available which is linked to the level of occupation of the development. We estimate that we should be able to deliver the improvements in the summer of this year.