Consultation on improvements to Abington Park walking and cycling routes

People across West Northamptonshire are being invited to provide their views on plans to improve walking and cycling routes in the Abington Park area and encourage more active ways of travelling.

Residents, businesses and community groups can provide their feedback on West Northamptonshire Council’s consultation from Wednesday 1 February to Wednesday 15 March.

The Abington Park Area Active Travel scheme proposes the introduction of segregated cycleways and footways connecting Abington Park Crescent with Wellingborough Road, Bridgewater Drive, and Park Avenue South, as well as improvements to the junction of Billing Road and Rushmere Road. These proposals support safe active access to Abington Park and nearby Bridgewater Primary School.

The proposed changes seek to encourage improved active travel and provide better alternatives to driving which will reduce traffic and increase safety for walkers and cyclists.

The proposals include:

• Abington Park Crescent - a new two-way cycleway which will be separated from the road, and a new upgraded crossing at the junction with Park Avenue South
• Bridgewater Drive - a new two-way cycleway towards the school and new road crossings are proposed
• Park Avenue South - new cycleways that merge into existing cycling facilities
• At the junction of Billing Road and Rushmere Road, there has been a longstanding request to improve facilities for pedestrians at the junction. The scheme proposals for the junction will provide new safer controlled crossing facilities which will also include diagonal crossings to shorten the current routes taken by pedestrians, especially children travelling to and from the schools in the area. The proposals will also look to remove the islands at the junction and simplify its day-to-day operation.

Cllr Phil Larratt, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We want to make walking and cycling for short journeys safer and more pleasant. The creation of new cycleways and crossings will allow residents and visitors to safely travel around the Abington Park area, as well as providing a safer route for children to walk or cycle to Bridgewater Primary School. 

“The proposals will improve the quality of our cycling and walking infrastructure through these safe and direct routes. I’d encourage everyone to have their say on these proposals so that we can ensure the scheme works for all the community.”

West Northamptonshire Council is hosting a drop-in event at Abington Park Museum on 16 February 2023 between 2pm and 8pm. Members of the project team will be available to answer questions about the scheme and speak to people about the proposals and consultation.

The consultation will take place between 1 February and 15 March 2023. People can view the proposals and provide their feedback by visiting the council's Consultation Hub