A beautiful countryside walking and cycling route near Coventry city centre is a step closer to completion after a key phase of its construction was finished.
Works on Phase 2 of the Charterhouse Loop Line have now been completed with the support of a £198,460 grant from Severn Trent Community Fund to Historic Coventry Trust, which is overseeing the project.
The latest phase of the new combined cycle and pedestrian woodland route starts next to Gosford Park School where Humber Avenue crosses the former railway line and extends for 300m southwards to the railway bridge over Terry Road.
Completion of the second section means that two-thirds of the kilometre-long route is now in place. The route will eventually connect Binley Road Cycleway at Gosford Green to the southern end of Charterhouse Heritage Park along the length of the disused railway line.
The final phase will stretch from Terry Road to join the nature trails planned in the Heritage Park, creating a wildlife-rich wilderness in easy reach of surrounding communities.
Historic Coventry Trust is working with Coventry City Council and John Muir Trust on delivery of this final section.
Plans may also include a linking cycleway to connect to Humber Road next to the mainline railway bridge.
The final section will be the most complex yet, running through protected woodland and requiring long ramps due to the height of the embankment.
Now that contractors are off-site, the Trust will be ramping up volunteer action with planned native planting during the winter and regular litter picking and monitoring of flytipping.
The new phase of the woodland walk is accessible to the public, although its use as a through route will not be fully possible until the final phase is finished.
Ian Harrabin, Chairman of Historic Coventry Trust, said: “This has been a challenging project due to the sensitivities needed when working in a protected woodland area and having to deliver the project during the COVID period.
“I would like to thank Severn Trent for their funding and for the patience they have shown in allowing us an extended period to complete the works.
“This is a major step forwards with two-thirds of the route now in place, and this alone has put fresh impetus into our work with Coventry City Council to deliver the final section. I have had great feedback already from community members who use the completed sections.”
Sue Heyes, Severn Trent Community Fund officer, said: “The Charterhouse Loop Line is a project that is providing a new lease of life for the former railway and also creating a lasting legacy for many people to enjoy for generations to come.
“To see this phase of work completed is absolutely fantastic and we are pleased and proud that the Community Fund has been able to support this amazing scheme.”