New 250 Metre Walking And Cycling Path Under Construction In Carlisle
A new 250 metre shared-use path is being constructed in Carlisle to improve connections between Dalston Road and the existing Carlisle to Dalston Cycleway.
Cumberland Council is delivering the project on council-owned land to the east of Carlisle Cemetery. The scheme will close a gap in the existing walking and cycling network by creating a continuous surfaced route for pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists. Work began on Monday, October 19, and is expected to take approximately three weeks, with construction progressing throughout the current period.
The development will include two new sections of asphalt pathway, each measuring three metres in width. Once connected, the sections will provide a more direct and consistent route between Dalston Road and the established cycleway, improving access for people travelling between the city and surrounding communities.
The new surface will replace existing sections that pass through a grassed area. These sections can become muddy and difficult to use during wet weather, particularly throughout the winter months. Replacing them with properly surfaced pathways is expected to make the route more reliable and accessible throughout the year.
The improvements are intended to benefit people who use the area for everyday journeys as well as those who walk or cycle for recreation. A continuous path could make it easier for residents to reach nearby routes without having to navigate uneven or muddy ground, particularly when weather conditions affect the existing grassed sections.
Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, described the project as a relatively small development with an important role in improving Carlisle’s active travel network. She said completing the missing connection would make the existing route more accessible and practical for people travelling on foot, using wheelchairs or cycling.
Councillor Rollo also highlighted the importance of providing a properly surfaced route ahead of the wetter winter months. She said the improvements would give people greater choice when making everyday journeys and support the council’s wider ambitions to create better-connected and more accessible communities.
Construction is being carried out by Carlisle-based contractor Kirkaldy & Roe Ltd. The project is funded through the UK Government’s Local Transport Grant, which supports improvements to local transport infrastructure and encourages more sustainable ways of travelling.
Pedestrian and cycle access through the area is being maintained while the construction work takes place. The council has confirmed that people will still be able to use the route during the project, although users may need to take care around the working area and follow any instructions provided by contractors.
Work is scheduled to take place on weekdays between 7.30am and 5.30pm. The construction programme is expected to last around three weeks from its October 19 start date, meaning the completed route is anticipated to be available during November, subject to progress on site.
The project forms part of wider efforts to improve walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure across Carlisle. Providing continuous routes can help reduce barriers for people who might otherwise find certain sections difficult to access, particularly those using mobility aids or travelling with pushchairs.
The Carlisle to Dalston Cycleway provides an important connection between the city and nearby communities. Completing the missing section near Dalston Road will help improve continuity along the network and make the route more convenient for people using it as part of their regular journeys.
The council has thanked residents and people who regularly use the route for their patience while the work is completed. Maintaining access during construction is intended to limit disruption while allowing contractors to carry out the improvements safely and efficiently.
Once finished, the new asphalt sections will provide a more dependable connection between Dalston Road and the existing cycleway. The completed scheme is expected to make the route easier to use in different weather conditions and support greater access to walking, wheeling and cycling facilities in Carlisle.
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