Barrage path on the way

An exciting new route around Cardiff Bay and over the Cardiff Bay Barrage is one of the flagship schemes being developed under the Coastal Access Improvement Project.

An exciting new route around Cardiff Bay and over the Cardiff Bay Barrage is one of the flagship schemes being developed under the Coastal Access Improvement Project.

As most local authorities are working on proposals to take advantage of new financial support being administered by CCW on behalf of the Assembly, the Access to the Waterfront project is already underway in the capital city.

Cardiff Harbour Authority has been seeking the necessary permissions and agreements with landowners and hopes that the section between the barrage and the inner harbour can be opened in the spring of next year.

The new path will form an essential section of the circular route for cyclists and walkers – including people with disabilities – and will allow them to cross the mouth of the Bay from the Penarth end to the popular Mermaid Quay.

A new cycle and foot bridge will need to be built over a lock and the route will be linked to the wider foot and cycle paths in the city and beyond, including strategic networks like the Taff and Ely River Trails.

When a path was opened across the barrage during a festival in 2005, more than 12,500 people used it.

The new route will provide easier and safer access to the Bay, will offer new health and leisure resources and help several local Communities First areas.

Eventually the barrage path will form part of the All-Wales Coastal Path.