People travelling between Harlow Town Station and the Town Centre since March this year will have seen the improvements that have taken place for pedestrians, cyclists and bus services.
It’s the first piece of infrastructure completed for Harlow & Gilston Garden Town, funded by Homes England through Hertfordshire County Council as the accountable body and contracting authority, with delivery by Essex County Council.
With the initial stage completed, it will eventually connect to the second phase of works that recently started around Eastwick roundabout and the Central Stort Crossing North project, part of the wider Gilston development of the Garden Town.
We’ve also had residents asking: “What’s actually changed?”
So, the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town Team wanted to share a simple look at what’s new and what it means for day-to-day journeys around Harlow.
One of the biggest changes is a brand-new route connecting Harlow Town Station and Burnt Mill roundabout to the Town Centre.
It’s wider and easier to use, designed with separate space for walking and cycling and set back from the road in many places, running beautifully through the trees.
By moving the route away from traffic, it feels calmer, more comfortable, and a bit more enjoyable, whether you’re walking into town, cycling to the station, or just getting some fresh air.
We know busy junctions can be one of the biggest barriers when walking or cycling so this is where people will notice some of the most important changes.
At key locations, like Burnt Mill and Velizy Avenue, there are now signal-controlled crossings, dedicated space for both pedestrians and cyclists and more direct routes across the junction.
At Velizy roundabout in particular, there weren’t any formal crossings originally so this is a big step forward.
It should now feel much easier and safer to get across these busy points.
For bus users, there are some big upgrades along the route too.
These include new and improved bus lanes, upgraded bus shelters and bus stops with high access kerbing and additional facilities to improve journeys.
There are also new and improved paths connecting into nearby neighbourhoods and everyday destinations.
People will see a new link into The Hides, easier access to Sainsbury’s and nearby shops as well as safer routes replacing worn paths across grass or verges.
These might seem like small changes, but they make a big difference to everyday journeys, especially in bad weather or during darker months.
In some sections, particularly through the trees, the surface might feel a little different under feet.
That’s because it’s made from a recycled, permeable material which lets rainwater drain through naturally, helps protect the existing trees and reduces disruption underground.
It might be a small detail but part of a wider aim to keep the area feeling green and welcoming.
We’ve seen some comments saying the route doesn’t look hugely different, especially if you’re driving, and that’s understandable.
Many of the improvements are designed for people walking, cycling, or using the bus.
If you’re travelling by car then you might not notice big changes straight away.
But for others, the difference is about feeling safer at crossings, having more space to move and creating realistic alternatives for shorter trips.
Ultimately, this project is about giving people more choice in how they get around and some days that might still be the car.
But for shorter journeys, there are now better options if you want a safer walk into town, a family bike ride or a more reliable bus journey. We’d love more people to try the route for themselves and let us know what they think.
