Improvements to the Ely – Lt Downham path

The path next to the B1411 from Ely to Little Downham has become very broken up and bumpy again after having been repaired only a few years ago.

As traffic has also noticeably increased over the last few years it is becoming increasingly urgent to not only fix this path to a higher standard but to also widen it wherever possible so cyclists and pedestrians can safely pass each other.

We understand that full LTN 1/20 compliance as suggested by a Sustrans study a few years ago would be very expensive and while it is the ideal solution, we would prefer a quicker and lower cost upgrade that can be achieved within active travel and maintenance budgets in the next few years.

Surface quality — Cracks & Bumps

Currently the surface is only usable on a mountain bike, because it is too bumpy and there are cracks wide enough for narrow wheels and tyres to get stuck – a major hazard especially in the dark.

Some sections had some low quality resurfacing done a few years ago which didn’t last more than a few months and the surface at the Lt Downham end has been very bumpy from the start.

Resurfacing to a much higher standard would be top priority to make the path useful to all cyclists and also pedestrians and children with scooters.

Cracks and broken edge on the path — Cracks and broken edge

Surface quality — Broken Edges

The recent maintenance of the path is very much appreciated, but needs to be done much more frequently to avoid damage to the edges. The path has lost a quarter of it’s width in places because the edges were overgrown and are now completely destroyed.

Crossings

Improvements to crossings and junctions are probably more of nice to have as those would probably the most expenside.

In order of priority:

The entrance to Ely Tool Hire:

Where the concrete surface meets the road surface is a major hazard – it’s very easy to get a wheel stuck in there and then wobble into oncoming traffic. The path should be level across the junction.
It’s difficult to see cars coming out onto the road and ideally, the path should be continuous here with turning traffic having to wait

Farm entrance at https://maps.app.goo.gl/FAStsS6K9rYtHANK8:

It’s difficult to see cars coming out onto the road and ideally, the path should be continuous here with turning traffic having to wait

The exit of Ely Leisure:

Poor visibility again of cars exiting – a low cost solution might be an informal zebra crossing similar to the ones inside the car park at Ely leisure.

Ely Tool Hire entrance crossing — Ely Tool Hire entrance

Byway parking area with broken surface — Byway parking – broken

Ely Leisure crossing with limited visibility — Ely Leisure – no visibility when crossing

Hedgerows & Widening

Cut back hedgerows further, so they don’t grow over the path every few months, especially behind the sports field, south of Ely Tool Hire: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vGrtQ1UTwqpxXUFQ6.

Space along hedge with broken edge — Space along hedge and broken edge

Overgrown bushes obstructing visibility near Ely Tool Hire — Overgrown bushes – Ely Tool Hire

The first picture shows how much more space a well cut hedge provides.

Widening opportunities — ditch & Lt Downham end

Space into Little Downham for path widening — Space into Lt Downham

Space along ditch with broken edge — Space along ditch – broken edge

Widen the path wherever there is space, even if it’s just a few inches.

Plenty of space at the Lt Downham end next to the ditch — Start – End;

Less space at the Ely end — Start – End.