Flooding Concerns Arise Over Newly Installed £40 Million Cycle Path

Concerns have emerged regarding potential flooding risks on a newly installed cycle path in Gloucester city centre. This £40 million project, part of a larger initiative to connect Bishop’s Cleeve to Stroud via Cheltenham and Gloucester, includes a 26-mile cycle route designed to promote active travel across the region. However, issues with drainage at a pedestrian crossing on Kimbrose Way have raised alarms among local officials and residents.

The lack of adequate drainage has resulted in rainwater pooling at the new crossing, a situation that became apparent after light rain last Wednesday. Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, who represents the Hempsted and Westgate areas, expressed her astonishment that proper drainage was not considered during the planning stages. She stated, “I was concerned to see a significant pool of water at the new pedestrian crossing at Kimbrose Way on Wednesday, and that was after light drizzle.”

Trimnell further emphasized the need for immediate attention to the drainage issues, noting, “It seems that this issue needs to be addressed in this location and perhaps in other areas where work has been done on this cycleway.” The councillor also highlighted the potential delays in reopening the crossing, which was expected to be completed by the end of October 2023. “Pedestrians have had to put up with a lot at this crossing, and it’s about time work was completed,” she added.

In response, Joe Harris, the cabinet member for highways, confirmed that the council is aware of the drainage issues and that contractors are currently investigating the problem. He remarked, “It’s always best when councillors raise local issues with us directly so we can get them sorted quickly rather than going to the press first.” Harris reiterated that the council had already recognized the drainage issue at Kimbrose Way and is working to rectify it promptly.

He assured residents that the council follows rigorous quality assurance procedures during highway improvements to identify potential issues before the completion of projects. “We’re making great progress in delivering high-quality infrastructure that supports convenient and healthy active travel options, including walking, wheeling, and cycling, across the county,” Harris stated.

As Gloucester continues to develop its cycling infrastructure, residents and local officials are keenly observing how the council addresses these drainage concerns to ensure the safety and usability of the new cycle path. The situation highlights the importance of thorough planning and execution in urban development projects, especially those aimed at enhancing public amenities and encouraging sustainable transportation methods.