Notification of Towpath Improvement Works

Background

A “Single Local Growth Fund” grant was secured by Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council to deliver a project to upgrade the existing towpath along the River Medway between South Street, Barming and Aylesford. The project is designed to accommodate the increasing use of walkers, joggers and cyclists and provide a sustainable transport alternative along the River Medway corridor.

What’s happening here? East Farleigh Lock to Unicumbes Lane.

Works are taking place to provide a new 2.5 metre sealed tarmac surface for the majority of the route. This route will then be converted to Cycle Track to facilitate the increasing use of pedestrians and cyclists along the path.

Bank protection and riverside planting will be installed to protect sections that have suffered from erosion.

Work has already been completed to remove sections of vegetation which will include the control of the invasive Himalayan Balsam.

The historic gun bunkers will be cleared of vegetation with new interpretation to provide information on their past.

New destination signs and distance markers will be installed.

Towpath closures and Construction Phases;

Inevitably sections of the towpath will have to be kept closed to maintain public safety. Please find below a list of the Towpath sections affected, along with their planned closure dates. We apologise for any temporary inconvenience caused but hope that you will be able to enjoy the improved path in 2017.

M20 – Forstal Industrial Estate 17th October 2016 – 10th March 2017 East Farleigh Bridge – Unicumbes Lane 31st October – 10th March 2017 South Street Barming – Riverside Park 31st October – 10th March 2017 Allington Castle – Malta Inn 23rd November - 23rd December Unicumbes Lane – Wharf Bridge Tovil 9th January 2017 – 10th March 2017 Wharf Bridge Tovil – Lockmeadow 16th January 2017 – 10th March 2017 Riverside Park – East Farleigh Bridge 15th February 2017 – 1st March 2017 Sandling Road footway 23rd February - 1st March 2017

A long term closure of the Towpath between Aylesford Bailey Bridge and near to the M20 overbridge has been in place for a number of years. This section will continue to be closed up to the point of the Official opening in April 2017.

The scheme includes:

- Repairing 9 areas of eroded river bank - Sealed surfacing for the entire 2.5m wide towpath - Planting of riverbank trees and plants to prevent future erosion - Replacement of existing benches - Accessible links to improve opportunities for disabled users - New destination signs - New parking facilities at Lockmeadow and the Museum of Kent Life - Fixed stand cycle repair stations

More information can be found on the Kent County Council’s website; search public rights of way or follow the following link; http://www.kent.gov.uk/waste-planning-and-land/public-rights-of-way/river-medway-towpath-improvements