Image: Sustrans
A project to join up two sections of the Thames Path in Greenwich has been officially opened, with cyclists and pedestrians already taking advantage of the new elevated walkway.
The Thames Path is a near-continuous 184-mile greenway for non-motorised users along the bank of the River Thames. However, until now, there has been a missing 275m long section through Charlton Riverside – known locally as the ‘Missing Link’.
The project was funded by the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Transport for London (TfL) as part of the Quietways initiative – and carried out by West Sussex-based civil engineering firm Mackley.
A new demountable steel walkway and cycle path – located on top of the Thames flood wall – was created, connecting King Henry Wharf and Warspite Road.
The new facility was officially opened at a ceremony on 20 June which included speeches by Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, and Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald, cabinet member for air quality, public realm and transport, Royal Borough of Greenwich.
The new link, which is open from dawn to dusk, will form part of TfL’s Quietway 14 route (Q14) which will eventually run from Greenwich to Bexley.
The path also forms part of National Cycle Network Route 1, a long distance cycling route from Dover to the Shetland Islands – which passes through Greenwich.
Sizwe James, cabinet member for transport, economy and smart cities, Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:
“We have the longest and, I think, the most beautiful waterfront of any of the London boroughs.
“And we are investing and working towards the time when walkers and cyclists will be able to travel from one end of the Borough to the other on the Thames Path without any inland detour.”
The new facility has been described as ‘fantastic’ and ‘impressive by Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity.
Matt Winfield, Sustrans’ London director, said:
“This year Sustrans are reviewing the National Cycle Network across the UK, so we’re delighted that this long-standing “missing link” in our iconic Route 1 is now complete, thanks to Quietways programme funding from Transport for London and investment from the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
“All the fantastic work done here makes this important route better for everyone. From local people to long distance cyclists, the Thames riverside route is deservedly popular, passing some of London’s key landmarks including the Thames Barrier and the O2 Dome.”
25 June 2018