New £2.9m cycle path linking Wakefield and Castleford to be approved

The proposed Wakefield Greenway project – which would run mainly along the banks of the River Calder – would be funded by a grant from City Connect, which is delivering a programme of cycle improvements across the region.

The Greenway cycleway would link Castleford to Wakefield via Normanton.

It would also link to the Castleford Greenway and the Trans Pennine Trail at Methley Junction.

The council’s cabinet will be asked to approve proposals for the Wakefield Greenway canal and riverside scheme at a cabinet meeting next Tuesday.

Coun David Dagger, the council’s cabinet member for transport and highways, said: “This is an exciting project which would provide people living between Wakefield and Castleford with additional opportunities to cycle and walk beside the water, either for leisure or to commute to and from work.”

The proposal would include surfacing the path between Methley Bridge and Castleford to Fairies Lock, providing improved access across the River Calder just East of Wakefield and widening the path from the Washlands to Chantry Bridge.

If councillors approve the plan then the grant funded project would be added to the council’s capital programme.

Public consultation for the scheme would start in October, with building work starting in autumn 2016.

The whole path could be finished by spring 2018, if approved.

For more information on what the cycle path plans involve visit Wakefield Council’s website at www.wakefield.gov.uk