Harlow & Gilston Garden Town’s (HGGT) council partners are counting down to the completion of the Sustainable Transport Corridor works between Harlow Town Centre and Harlow Town railway station.
Having begun construction in February 2024, the majority of the works will be completed by the end of this year, with the infrastructure supporting HGGT’s commitment to enabling more active and sustainable journeys, giving residents and visitors more options to travel on bike, bus and foot locally.
Running from a redesigned junction at Burnt Mill roundabout along Fifth Avenue-Zelenskyy Avenue to the Town Centre, the corridor will provide new bus lanes in both directions alongside walking and cycling links, public realm, trees, signage and lighting.
Fully funded as part of a Housing Investment Grant from Homes England via Hertfordshire County Council, this phase of the Sustainable Corridor Network is one of a number of infrastructure projects being delivered in advance of new homes within the Garden Town, which are planned for construction in the coming years.
Speaking about the new transport routes, Harlow Council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning and the Garden Town, Cllr Alastair Gunn, commented: “People who travel around Harlow by bus or enjoy cycling and walking regularly are going to see a massive improvement and the approach into the Town Centre is going to be a lot better.
“Wider cycle lanes and better lighting on the Sustainable Transport Corridor will make it a much better travelling experience for people, and places Harlow as a welcoming town that’s attractive to visit and live in.
“We obviously have the regeneration of the Town Centre taking place as well so, in the very near future, residents will see that Harlow has not only transformed but is viewed as a go-to-destination for the region.
“That’s the aim and this infrastructure helps us deliver that aspiration.”
With this section of the Sustainable Transport Corridor infrastructure being delivered by Essex County Council, their Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Economic Growth, Cllr Louise McKinlay, says the works are part of much wider investment into Harlow and the wider Garden Town geography.
“Along with partners, we have identified a £1.3 billion infrastructure investment across the Harlow & Gilston area and these works, from the Town Centre to the Burnt Mill roundabout, will give people more choice as to how they want to travel locally, whether that is by bus, cycling or walking.
“The town is really going places and its location between London and Cambridge makes it highly investable.
“We know there has been some disruption during these works and we thank everyone for their patience.
“But having the right infrastructure in place improves connectivity and encourages economic growth, providing long-term benefits for Harlow.”
Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Transport, Growth and Environment at Hertfordshire County Council, added: “This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure we need to see as our region grows.
“By working together across county boundaries, we’re helping to create safer, greener and more sustainable ways for people to travel.
“These improvements will make it easier for residents to choose walking, cycling and public transport, supporting cleaner air, healthier lives and vibrant communities across Harlow and the wider Garden Town area.”
