Customer requirements
The customer required the creation of a new 1.4km path along the Greenway Route from Pelsall to Brownhills. The route needed to be upgraded to promote active travel. It was important to connect residential areas to local landmarks.
The path also had to improve accessibility for both pedestrians and cyclists. Additionally, the project needed to support the wider regeneration efforts in the area.
Carrying out the work
This scheme was delivered for Crown Highways and completed a month ahead of schedule. The work transformed difficult terrain and steep access points into a smooth, graded route compliant with DDA standards.
Delivery of works for Crown Highways included groundworks, installation of sustainable drainage systems, resurfacing and installation of fencing, street furniture and pedestrian barriers.
Safety and accessibility were prioritised throughout, particularly around school zones where temporary pedestrian barriers were maintained.
Groundworks
Site clearance and vegetation removal began the works.
1,000 tonnes of Type 3 stone were supplied and compacted.
1,000 linear metres of edging kerbs were installed.
Drainage
Drainage systems and reprofiling ensured a flood-resilient design.
A 300 linear metre swale was installed along approximately one-third of the total path length to sustainably manage rainwater.
An attenuation tank was installed to store and regulate surface water.
This was fully wrapped in a membrane, heat sealed to prevent water seepage and connected to the swale.
Surfacing
750 tonnes of asphalt was laid to form a 3m-wide pathway.
Upgrading the path
The best solution was to construct a 1.4km shared-use path with a 3-metre-wide footway, designed to serve both pedestrians and cyclists. This approach promoted active travel and improved connectivity between residential areas and key local landmarks.
The works involved site clearance, vegetation management, reprofiling, and drainage installation, followed by the precise construction of a stone foundation, edging kerbs, and high-quality surfacing. This comprehensive solution supported wider regeneration efforts.
The final result
The scheme has been met with enthusiastic community feedback. Residents now benefit from a cleaner, safer, and more accessible route that promotes walking, cycling and healthy travel.
Walsall Council praised the collaborative effort and communication with the community, noting the project as a key step in delivering their 10-year plan for a more connected borough.
