A NEW cycle route between Kenilworth and Leamington has been given the green light.
Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC) Cabinet has approved plans to develop the many stages needed to bring the Kenilworth to Leamington Cycle Route scheme (K2L) to fruition – from feasibility designs, through to awarding the contract for construction.
K2L will be a five-kilometre dedicated off-carriageway cycle route connecting Kenilworth and Leamington along the A452 and B4115, including a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Avon at Chesford.
Funding of £4.7million from the Capital Investment Fund was approved in November 2019.
The A452, currently the only direct route between Kenilworth and Leamington, is not conducive to cycling due to its large roundabouts, narrow carriageway, and high traffic volumes of around 30,000 vehicles a day.
The new scheme will enable cycling between the two towns, and also support cycle access to the University of Warwick, Stoneleigh Park, JLR Whitley and Coventry.
It will also provide a transport link for the 1,400 new homes and new employment planned in east Kenilworth. The development of 4,000 new houses at Kings Hill to the north of Kenilworth will further increase demand.
The scheme has three distinct sections. The first is an off-carriageway shared pedestrian and cycle route from Leamington Spa to Bericote roundabout located on the eastern side of the A452.
The second section is a new permanent pedestrian and cycle bridge crossing the River Avon and associated flood plain between Bericote roundabout and the B4115.
The final phase is an off-carriageway pedestrian and cycle route running to the north of the B4415 and connecting to Glasshouse Lane Kenilworth, via the bridleway on Rocky Lane which will be improved.
WCC transport and planning spokesman Coun Jeff Clarke said: “There has been a high level of local support for this scheme. I’m delighted the project to provide a high quality, safe, direct and continuous cycle route between Kenilworth and Leamington is being taken forward.
“We are committed to improving the county’s cycle network and investing in active travel to create opportunities for healthier lifestyles and cleaner air for all.
“This project builds on our recent investment in the new cycle and pedestrian route between Warwick and Leamington. It also aligns with central government’s bold vision for cycling and walking as set out in their ‘Gear Change’ document published earlier this year.”
