Two Tunnels Greenway

Two Tunnels Greenway
DBailey635 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Two Tunnels Greenway
Location	Bath, Somerset, Somerset , England
Length	3.8 km
Use	Cycling, Walking
Opened	2013
Owner	Bath and North East Somerset Council

Two Tunnels Greenway Two Tunnels Greenway is a shared-use path and urban cycleway in Bath, Somerset linking central Bath with Midford and the Two Tunnels Railway corridor via repurposed railway infrastructure. The route incorporates the Combe Down Tunnel and the Cleveland Tunnel and forms part of regional networks including National Cycle Network routes and local active travel initiatives promoted by Bath and North East Somerset Council. The project attracted collaboration from heritage bodies such as English Heritage and funding partners including Sustrans, private trusts, and community groups like the Two Tunnels Group.

History

The concept emerged from late-20th-century rail reuse movements that involved stakeholders such as Sustrans, local authorities like Bath and North East Somerset Council, national funders including Heritage Lottery Fund, and heritage organizations exemplified by English Heritage. Early advocacy linked to broader campaigns represented by groups like the Campaign for Better Transport and initiatives paralleling reuse projects at sites such as High Line (New York City), Tissington Trail, and Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Planning consultations referenced conservation frameworks from institutions like Historic England and legal instruments administered by Department for Transport (United Kingdom), while community fundraising drew on voluntary networks resembling National Trust volunteer programmes. The formal opening in 2013 followed feasibility studies, public inquiries, and partnership agreements with bodies including Network Rail and regional development agencies.

Route and Structure

The Greenway runs roughly southwest from central Bath through the disused Midford and Combe Down railway alignment, entering the 1.3-kilometre Combe Down Tunnel then the shorter Cleveland Tunnel before joining existing paths toward Haycombe Cemetery and the Wellow valley. Interchanges connect with urban nodes such as Bath Spa railway station, the Royal Crescent, and the University of Bath, and integrate into the National Cycle Network with connections toward Bristol, Trowbridge, and Frome. Infrastructure components include repaved carriageways, lighting installations manufactured to standards used by suppliers to projects like Crossrail, drainage engineered to regulations from Environment Agency (England and Wales), and wayfinding signage consistent with Department for Transport (United Kingdom) cycling guidance. Design incorporated heritage assets including nearby listed structures from the Georgian era and conservation areas overseen by Bath Preservation Trust.

Construction and Engineering

Construction required complex engineering interventions managed under contracts with specialist firms experienced on projects such as tunnel refurbishment for Network Rail and urban cycle infrastructure for Sustrans. Works addressed structural integrity of the Combe Down Tunnel and Cleveland Tunnel with techniques aligned to standards from Institution of Civil Engineers and materials supplied by companies comparable to those used on Mersey Gateway and Eden Project construction. Engineering tasks included waterproofing, ventilation, lighting installation, emergency egress provision meeting Health and Safety Executive recommendations, and reinstatement of approaches with surfacing technologies similar to those used on Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Archaeological monitoring coordinated with Historic England and local archaeology units recorded finds consistent with documented Victorian railway construction phases.

Usage and Accessibility

The Greenway serves cyclists, pedestrians, and recreational users, promoting modal shift consistent with strategies advocated by Department for Transport (United Kingdom), Sustrans, and regional active travel plans implemented by Bath and North East Somerset Council. Accessibility features include gradient design limits adhering to Equality Act 2010 guidance for built environment adaptations, tactile surfaces, and lighting to improve the experience for users including students from the University of Bath, commuters to Bath Spa railway station, and tourists visiting sites like the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent. Usage monitoring campaigns coordinated with academic partners and transport bodies such as University of the West of England and CycleStreets informed maintenance schedules and seasonal programming similar to initiatives run by VisitBath.

Environmental and Heritage Aspects

Environmental appraisal incorporated assessments by the Environment Agency (England and Wales), ecological surveys referencing guidance from Natural England, and bat mitigation strategies following licenses administered by Natural England for habitats in the tunnel environment. Heritage conservation engaged organizations including Bath Preservation Trust and Historic England to ensure sensitivity to Georgian architecture and archaeological deposits, while landscape works recruited arboricultural standards promoted by bodies like the Royal Horticultural Society. Biodiversity enhancements created pollinator corridors in partnership with local nature groups similar to Somerset Wildlife Trust and adhered to best practices exemplified in schemes supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Local Impact and Economy

The Greenway contributed to local regeneration strategies promoted by Bath and North East Somerset Council, increasing visitor access to heritage attractions such as the Roman Baths, stimulating demand for businesses along corridors near Larkhall and Combe Down, and supporting sustainable tourism models advocated by VisitEngland. Economic assessments referenced methodologies used by organizations like Oxford Economics and regeneration case studies from projects such as Bristol Harbourside to estimate benefits in retail, leisure, and property valuations. Community-led events, cycling festivals, and partnerships with educational institutions including the University of Bath have used the Greenway to deliver skills initiatives and volunteer programmes modeled on successful schemes run by groups like Sustrans and the National Trust.

Category:Cycleways in England