COVENTRY’S Charterhouse Loop Line walking and cycling route is one step closer to completion with the recent conclusion of a critical construction phase.
Phase two of the project has been completed, thanks to a £198,460 grant from the Severn Trent Community Fund awarded to the Historic Coventry Trust, which is managing the project.
The latest segment of the woodland route begins next to Gosford Park School, where Humber Avenue intersects the former railway line, extending 300 meters southward to the railway bridge over Terry Road.
Once completed, the route will link the Binley Road Cycleway at Gosford Green to the southern end of Charterhouse Heritage Park, following the path of the disused railway line.
In partnership with Coventry City Council and the John Muir Trust, Historic Coventry Trust is focusing on the final and most complex section of the route.
This part will traverse protected woodland and necessitate the construction of long ramps to accommodate the height of the embankment.
With contractors now off-site, the Trust is intensifying volunteer efforts, including a planting scheduled for the winter and ongoing litter picking and fly-tipping monitoring.
While the new woodland walk phase is open to the public, it will not function as a through route until the final phase is completed.
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.”
