Advanced works on the new Harlow North to Centre Sustainable Transport Corridor in Essex are due to begin between Burnt Mill Roundabout and Harlow Town Centre this month

Connecting the new Gilston development with the train station and town centre, the corridor along the A1019 is a key part of the transport infrastructure being delivered to make it easier for people to travel sustainably in the future.

Funded as part of Homes England’s £172million investment to support the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town programme, the work will see the creation of segregated walking and cycleway infrastructure and a rapid transit bus lane, providing services into and from the town every few minutes.

The advanced works, taking around two months, will see the removal of a number of trees, vegetation and scrub along the planned footprint of the scheme in order to provide the required space ahead of construction and for the diversion of utilities. As part of these works, a number of unsuitable, diseased and dying trees will also be removed.

To replace and supplement the greenspace a substantial tree planting scheme is planned as part of the main works, with an increased number of semi-mature trees due to be planted and a 5-year maintenance plan in place to ensure they become established. Landscaping is also planned along the route to create areas of habitat and bio-diversity, while also creating a nice environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

Councillor Lesley Wagland OBE, Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning at Essex County Council, said: “Over the coming years Harlow will see significant growth and it’s critical we support this with the required transport infrastructure which meets targets set for sustainable travel.

“To do this we have to make it easier and simpler to leave the car at home. The new sustainable transport corridors will do this, providing safer, segregated walking and cycling infrastructure and high-quality bus rapid transit, providing consistent shuttle services every few minutes.

“But we also want to create a nice environment, and ensue that open space is maximised, which is why we are not only looking to replace any trees which need to be removed, but actually increase the number, ultimately creating a green avenue along the corridor.”