£1m plan to improve former rail line
Up to £1 million could be spent on improving a disused railway line popular with walkers and cyclists.
Council bosses in Dudley are keen to revamp the part of the Smestow Valley line which runs through the borough to ensure it is used as much as possible, particularly during winter.
They want to promote usage of the 11-mile track, which runs from Aldersley Leisure Village in Wolverhampton to Pensnett, Dudley, due to the health benefits from exercise.
Runners, cyclists and dog walkers are found along the route on a daily basis though wintry weather can make parts of it difficult to pass, with puddles and muddy sections forming.
A fresh surface has been laid along part of the route near Compton, Wolverhampton, over recent weeks in attempt to address this issue and now bosses in Dudley also want to make improvements.
No formal plans have yet been put forward but a new council report discusses potential funding opportunities.
Bosses say revamping the length of the Dudley section of the route could cost up to £1m.
The report said: "The quality of both the surface of the path and the quality of access points varies considerably along the route.
"Sections north of Pensnett, particularly around the Oak Lane area suffer from significant drainage and associated ponding issues, which during periods of inclement weather cause major problems for people trying to navigate the route.
"The disused rail corridor provides an ideal opportunity for health promoting active travel and for family tourism (passing near several local attractions).
“Furthermore, given the significant housing developments coming forward in the Tansey Green area the route also provides a sustainable link back into Dudley borough and particularly Brierley Hill Strategic Centre, whilst also potentially providing improved walk/cycle access to the nearby Pensnett Trading Estate.”
