Work starts on new phase of Bradford's Great Northern Railway Trail
Source: Sustrans
Posted: 19 August 2008
Spectacular views across Bradford's Clayton Valley will soon be available to everyone as the iconic Thornton Viaduct re-opens as a traffic-free route for the first time.
Work has started at either end of the viaduct in the third phase of The Great Northern Railway Trail, which will become a walk and cycle route stretching from Cullingworth to Queensbury in west Bradford using the former Great Northern Railway line.
One new section will extend from Thornton Primary School to Headley Lane over the recently repaired viaduct. Another will connect Thornton Primary School to a new housing development, west of Thornton village and to the village centre, noted as the birthplace of the Bronte sisters.
Sustainable transport charity Sustrans is developing the trail in partnership with Bradford Council and the Great Northern Railway Trail Forum, a consortium of supporting local organisations. Waste Recycling Environmental (WREN), McInerney Homes, Cycling England and Bradford Council are providing the 350,000GBP funding needed for this phase.
Forum Chairman Jeff McQuillan said: "Many people doubted whether we could achieve a traffic-free trail using this famous railway track with all the various landowners involved. Now we see the benefit of partnership working and close involvement with local communities to create a green corridor of lasting benefit."
David Hall, Sustrans' Yorkshire Regional Director, said: "The local landscape at Thornton is quite outstanding. Many people who travel regularly on Thornton Road will have no idea of the dramatic views across Clayton Valley, soon to be uniquely accessible to people for a stroll or a bike ride along the railway trail. This section of the trail will also provide a resource for children at Thornton Primary School as well as a safe route to the school from new housing now under development."
The new section of the trail is due for completion this autumn with the entire six-mile project expected to finish by 2011. Route sections between Cullingworth and Harecroft, and between Queensbury and Cockin Lane, Clayton, are already open to the public and extremely popular. With this latest phase there will be three viaducts and three miles of route open to cyclists, walkers and horse riders offering a new perspective of the rolling hills and old mill towns of west Bradford.
Further information about Sustrans, including other news releases and detailed online route mapping, is available at www.sustrans.org.uk
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