The first phase of Harlow & Gilston Garden Town’s new travel infrastructure has been shortlisted for a pair of prestigious industry awards, recognising the partnership’s commitment to improving walking, cycling and public transport connections in Harlow.
Completed earlier this year, the project, delivered by Essex Highways, Jacobs and Essex County Council, with Hertfordshire County Council serving as the accountable body, has reached the finals of the National Transport Awards 2026 in the category:
· Exemplary Approach to Active Travel & Public Space
The Homes England funded scheme was nominated by Essex Highways/Jacobs on behalf of Essex County Council and the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town partnership.
The project has also been recognised in the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) East of England Awards, where the Essex Highways/Jacobs nomination been shortlisted in two categories:
· Best Infrastructure Project – Small
· Team of the Year
Known as a Sustainable Transport Corridor, the first phase of completed infrastructure connects Harlow Town Station with the Town Centre and has introduced improved walking and cycling routes, safer crossings, upgraded bus facilities and enhanced links to surrounding neighbourhoods.
The project forms part of a wider programme of transport improvements designed to support growth and improve everyday journeys across Harlow and the wider area.
Work is already underway on the next phase of infrastructure improvements around Eastwick Roundabout, which will ultimately connect the Garden Town’s Gilston villages with the Station to Town Centre route.
Both awards recognise not only the infrastructure delivered on the ground, but also the collaborative approach taken by partners to create a route that is safer, more accessible and better connected for residents.
The National Transport Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the UK’s transport sector, while the ICE East of England Awards recognise outstanding achievements in engineering and infrastructure delivery across the region.
Winners will be announced later this year.
