The first phase of work to develop new public transport, walking and cycling links in Harlow is now complete.
Part of the wider Harlow & Gilston Garden Town development, the Sustainable Transport Corridor runs from an upgraded junction at Burnt Mill, along the A1019 to the town centre.
It features new bus lanes, safer and more pleasant walking and cycling, new public spaces, trees, signs, and lighting.
The new and improved route is the first of a group of sustainable transport corridors that will link the centre of Harlow to the rest of the town.
They will connect new and existing neighbourhoods to places such as the railway station and primary business areas.
The improvements are part of the infrastructure that will eventually connect to the 10,000 homes built across the Essex-Hertfordshire border as part of the Gilston area of the Garden Town.
The completed works will allow residents to have better transport links before the new homes begin construction.
The North to Centre corridor is a scheme from Essex County Council with support from the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town partnership.
It is part of Homes England’s £182 million investment in Harlow through its Housing Infrastructure Grant.
This fund is in recognition of the need to provide infrastructure to support the provision of new homes in the garden community.
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and cabinet member for communities, economic growth and prosperity, said: “To unlock Harlow’s future growth, major transport infrastructure needs to be in place upfront.
“Despite challenges in the economy, Essex County Council has once again delivered real value for residents.
“This has created new connections for the garden town, will lead to more reliable bus routes, and has provided more walking and cycling options – improving travel for both current and future residents.
“It makes it easier to get around Harlow, whether they are commuters on the way to work or families going on a day out.”
Pauline Schaffer Director of Infrastructure Funding at Homes England, said: “It’s great to see Homes England’s infrastructure grant funding being used by Hertfordshire County Council and Essex County Council to deliver the first section of the sustainable transport corridor linking Harlow Town Centre to the future Gilston Villages.
“Through the Housing Infrastructure Fund, Homes England is working with partners to support the delivery of vital infrastructure required to unlock the first 10,000 homes at Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.”
Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council said “This new corridor is an important step in improving sustainable transport connections between Harlow and the surrounding communities.
“By making it easier and safer for people to travel by bus, on foot or by bike, it will help connect residents with jobs, services and opportunities.
“Hertfordshire County Council is pleased to support this partnership work to deliver the infrastructure needed for growing communities.”
