There's a cheeky little traffic-free path which has been recently opened in Lewisham which wasn't actually a walking or cycling project. Oh yes, and it has a passing resemblance to a 20 year old computer game!
Bolina Road used to be a narrow and dingy cut-through which closed in 2013 to enable a major piece of civil engineering to take place to create a new railway junction on the approach to London Bridge Station in order to remove a bottleneck. Working with Lewisham Council, the opportunity was taken to rework the street passing under the railway to hugely improve the environment. More details are available on Network Rail's website.
The road was recently reopened to just people walking and cycling and the result is awesome. The new path is shared-use (because it narrows at an old tunnel), but it is plenty wide enough. The new bridges carrying the railways are clean, modern and functional, but they really help create a futuristic atmosphere; especially where they are lit with broody blue LEDs.
There is proper street lighting in place and the main route through the street has been machine laid with buff asphalt to really make the use of light and reflection. At night, it may well feel a little lonely, but that's a product of circumstance rather than design which has sought to open up clear views and minimise hiding places.
The route connects the residential area of Silwood Street and beyond with the area to the front of The Den, Millwall's ground (if you're that way inclined). If you are travelling south, just as you complete passing under the various tunnels, a ramp to the left takes you up onto the Millwall Path which is part of Quietway 1 and so this is a very useful transport link (it really needs some decent wayfinding though).
Anyway, I'll let some photographs do the rest of the talking!
Finally, I'll leave you with a little video;
Blue lighting makes it much, much harder for junkies to find a vein
ReplyDeleteAh, that makes sense - and makes it all look really cool!
DeleteVideo editing skills: Where I was when I was 12 and doing junior high school courses/
ReplyDeleteThis is a real eye opener to what can achieved with the co-operation of local councils, local residents, and construction teams. The area has a futuristic look whilst maintaining some historic architecture. The cycle route that links from the residential area to the Quietway 1 cycle route has it benefits in safety and access. With schemes like this the regeneration of Bermondsey is off to an excellent start. Well done and thanks to all involved in this initiative.
ReplyDeleteIt's a real gem to be sure and it does seem to be very useful!
DeleteI used to walk through the old arches many times when I lived in Ilderton Road. This is so different, like another place. Excellent construction work. For me, the arches seem a little low and I think I would feel claustrophobic walking under them. I did feel like that under the old arches, but you could seemore sky. I hope these new arches provide a safe walking and riding space for everyone. I have many memories of the old arches from my childhood and early adult life, so maybe I am a little sentimental! Yes, you can get that way even about things that appear ugly and cold. I think it is the people you share them with.
ReplyDeleteI guess the headroom is linked to the alignment of the railway and the structures needed to carry it; I think it might feel lonely late at night, but if you have to put in bridges like this, it's the best example I've seen in the UK.
DeleteMILLWALL FC at the other end
ReplyDeleteWe can't have it all I suppose ;)
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