Highbridge Stop Line Way to be upgraded for those Walking and Cycling

The Stop Line Way is National Cycle Network route 33. It goes for 75 miles from Weston-super-Mare to Axminster. Sustrans manages it; they are the government’s active travel charity.

A key part links Burnham-on-Sea to Highbridge, connecting the seafront to Apex Park and the A38. It is near houses and the train station.

Somerset Council plans to improve this route as part of their local transport plan. The plan came out earlier this month.

The Burnham part has two sections: one goes north to Brean along the beach, which is unusable at high tide, and one goes south from Pier Street by the sea wall. The route continues past the sailing club.

Then, the route goes around the holiday park. This is near the River Brue’s mouth. The route goes through Apex Park, and access points can be found through the Highbridge Wharf area, ending on Newtown Road and Tyler Way.

The transport plan supports trails for everyone, including people walking and cycling. The Strawberry Line and Steam Coast Trail are also included. The council wants better walking and cycling in coastal towns. This should help the economy and health, and reduce pollution.

Coastal towns have many visitors during certain times of the year, with many people walking and cycling to work and for fun. Route 33 connects Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge; they want to extend it to Bridgwater. They will fix the path between Burnham and Highbridge. The council will improve the road and lights, and also improve junctions for travel.

The government will invest more in walking and cycling, investing £291 million by 2026. Most of the money goes to local councils for projects. Somerset Council will get £2,775,438, which is above previous funding amounts.

The council said this news is very good. They need to check the details before planning.

Chris Boardman says walking and cycling must be safe. It helps health, the economy, and the environment, and is also a great way to get exercise. He wants the same benefits that Europe enjoys.

Simon Lightwood says this invests in cycling and walking, which will boost businesses and help the economy. This eases pressure on the NHS.