A NEW walking and cycle route funded using part of £3.28 million from the government is complete after eight months of work.

The new route between Brighton Hill Roundabout and Sullivan Road is the first ever long-term project funded by the government’s Active Travel scheme.

It is set to link directly to other cycle routes that will be provided as part of the £20million Brighton Hill Roundabout improvement scheme, which started in January this year.

Active Travel funding was awarded by central government to support local transport authorities to install cycle and walking facilities.

The first tranche supported the installation of temporary projects during the pandemic, while the second tranche supports longer-term projects.

Hampshire County Council secured £863,000 from the first lot of funding, which was used for temporary pop-up measures to help people socially distance.

It received £3.28 million from the second tranche, which is being used for a countywide programme to improve walking and cycling across Hampshire.

Following a public consultation in 2021, the council designed the new segregated walking and cycling route in Brighton Hill which aims to provide a direct and safe cycle route.

The new three-metre wide cycle track has been built alongside the existing footway in Brighton Way, constructed at a lower level than the footpath and separated by a kerb.

The footpath has also been improved, with the concrete slabs replaced with asphalt surfacing.

New street lighting has been installed along the footpath and cycle track.

The aim of the new path is to facilitate an increase in walking and cycling trips within Basingstoke and to improve local links for walking and cycling to and from Brighton Hill.

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