Flood Risk Sparks Concerns Over £40 Million Cycle Path in Gloucester

Concerns have arisen regarding a potential flooding risk associated with a newly installed cycle path in Gloucester city centre. The cycle route, which is part of a larger £40 million project aimed at linking Bishop’s Cleeve to Stroud via Cheltenham and Gloucester, spans approximately 26 miles. Local officials have noted that inadequate drainage may lead to water accumulation at critical points along the route.

The issue has been highlighted specifically at the pedestrian crossing on Kimbrose Way, where significant pooling of rainwater was observed. Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, representing the Hempsted and Westgate area, expressed her astonishment that proper drainage was not considered during the planning stages. “I was concerned to see a significant pool of water at the new pedestrian crossing at Kimbrose Way on Wednesday,” she stated, referring to the accumulation observed after light rainfall.

Trimnell emphasized that the drainage situation is not only problematic at Kimbrose Way but may also affect other sections of the cycleway. She expressed frustration over the potential delays in reopening the crossing, which was expected to be completed by the end of October. “It seems this could be further delayed if work is now needed on a drainage solution,” she added.

In response to these concerns, Joe Harris, the council’s highways cabinet member, confirmed that the local authority is aware of the drainage challenges. He stated that contractors are currently investigating the root cause of the issue and working on rectifying it. “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 noted.

He assured residents that rigorous quality assurance procedures are followed during highway improvements to catch any potential issues before completion. “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,” he said.

As the project continues to evolve, local officials and residents alike will be watching closely to ensure that necessary improvements are made to prevent flooding and enhance the usability of the new cycle path.