Northampton, Briar Hill and Upton Park, River Nene connections
Most of Northampton's cycling facilities built in the last 40 years remain unconnected and are faced with difficulties in crossing the broad Nene floodplain. This Sustrans' Connect2 Northampton project will upgrade a number of muddy historic paths along and across the valley, build a new bridge as well as restore two other bridges along the route. All within a beautiful landscape setting soonto be enriched in partnership with the Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust.
Once completed, the scheme will link Briar Hill, Camp Hill, Ladybridge Drive, Banbury Lane and Upton residential areas with Sixfields Leisure Centre, Swan Valley, St. James and other employment sites and shopping facilities near the town centre. A route is also now planned to connect through to the Railway Station, Delapre Park and routes to the south, and eventually Becketts Park, Midsummer Meadow and eastwards.
Progress is already being made and the once rocky Duston Mill Lane is now a smooth re-surfaced route. Westwards, the towpath and a spur from Ladybridge Drive have also been improved. The Double Four roundabout on Rothersthorpe Road, is now easier to cross and a better path has been made up to the Camp Hill A45 subway. Between St James Mill Road and Coton End, there have been re-surfacing improvements and a signalled A508 crossing is planned to complete a link with Becketts Park.
In Summer 2010, a new bridge will span between Upton Country Park, Banbury Lane and the already finished towpath section. The final link, joining Duston Mill Lane, St James Mill Road and Ring Road, Camp Hill will follow, in 2011.
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