Dee Crossing, Meadows

[trail blazer]

The latest Tory newsletter 'Matters' has an article on new cycling routes. It is generally inaccurate and does not include the proposed new bridge from Caldy Valley to the meadows. Is this the first indication that they are tring to drop the project ?

Article in full below

'Cyclists and walkers are to benefit from improvements to Chester's cycle network. The £1.25m project will join communities either side of the Dee. The works include extending the Millenium cycleway by 3km from Hoole to Mickle Trafford, creating a cycle access link to the Greyhound Park from the canal towpath and providing a crossing from Curzon Park over the River Dee along-side the railway bridge.'

[Craig Steeland]

I hope so. Maybe they will build a cycle and pedestrian bridge alongside Hoole Road Bridge instead. This will not be as photogenic, but will be of great use to a large number of cyclists in Hoole and Newton.

[Trail Blazer]

There is no certainty that dropping the Dee Bridge scheme will lead to Hoole bridge being widened. There is a growing feeling that Hoole bridge this could be a major scheme in LTP 3.

There is strong local support for the Dee crossing.

[purplesue]

I still think a crossing further out - near to the A55 - would be better. It would link the edge of Chester, near the waterworks in Huntington, with near to Eccleston, directly opposite the Dukes Drive, a smashing route out of town. It would give a reasonable circular route as an alternative to the river/greenway everyone bashes up and down.

There would be a little less impact on environment (?) and would mean the ferry can still operate - so you can cross there in the summer.

Just a thought...

[Trail blazer]

Following a question from Cllr Tony Sherlock (opposition Environment Spokesman) to Cllr Neil Ritchie (Portfolio holder for the Environment) at Thursday's CWAC meeting (14/05/09) it was confirmed that the administration is fully committed to this bridge and it should be complete in three years time.

Cllr Richard Short (member for Overleigh Division which includes Queens Park) intervened to say that he did not agree with this view - ie against the bridge which is the opinion of some Queens Park residents.

[yoyo]

Stupid question but why use the hoole bridge when a quick shiffty down lightfoot street will get you on the tow path route to town??

[trail blazer]

To encourage cycling as an everyday form of transport cycle routes should be the most direct possible. To divert from Hoole Bridge to Station View and the canal is quite a big detour (5 mins plus ?) . I suspect most people on their daily commute would not use this route.

[Paul]

As said previously a better location for the new bridge would be at the side of the Huntinton water works, with a link along side the River Dee, form the Eccleston end of the Dukes drive, to Handbridge to link in with the suspension bridge, this would give a direct tlink from Chrislton and Caldy valley to Handbridge and Saltney either across the meadows, or via the Dukes Drive.

Perhaps The Duke Of Westminster, could fund it, as an ennvironmently freindly way of travel, and a gloriuos monument from his family to the cyclists and walkers of the world who will use it. .