Over the weekend of 14th – 18th Nov 2024 the A418 Oxford Road was closed again so work on the footpath/cycleway could be finished by HS2 contractors. This time I visited the site and saw how they got on. The path was rather bumpy, which is surprising given that it’s brand new.
The Story of Oxford Road:
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20 Comments
Nice 👌 🎉
Thanks Karl. I hope any cyclists unfamiliar with the path have good lights.The section around 7.18 has a bend to the right with a kerbstone right in front.If you hit that you would be over the handlebars and potentially in the roadway.
Very noisy on this stretch mate.
You can see how uneven the pathway is by the little puddles.
Here are a few points about this new road which concern me and others I've spoken to:
1. The path is very close to the road and is dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists on the bridge. There is no safety barrier so any vehicle could easily hit someone if they lost control.
2. The tarmac is not what is normally used on a mixed-use path. Normally a red mix is used which has a rougher texture for grip. It's like a cheaper and quicker option was chosen here.
3. Where the temporary road is, the path turns at sharp angles making it awkward. Why not just make it curved?
4. For safety again it would be good to have a few lights along the bridge parapets. I know there were no street lights along the old road (for the last 20 years anyway) but for safety reasons I feel some should be put in.
Someone I know has contacted HS2 about these issues and they will be dealing with it in due course.
If you have driven in the Republic of Eire recently on newly laid ashphalt you will be aware of just how incredibly smooth it can feel. Round Knock recently in a Vauxhall it was a "magic carpey" ride compared to UK roads.
Stop moming now you om the bike
Why don't you walk it then
Great video.
But. Such an eyesore of a council tower block seen on the return journey. Is it not the time to demolish this blot on the landscape.
Awful job
Completely rushed
Great video
That surface is abysmal, I would be riding on the road there. It's mixed use as well, which is undesirable. Also, why on earth have they put the armco barriers at the side of the cycle track. They should be placed between the road and cycle track to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
I remember in the 60/70's the Council bin vehicles use to dump household rubbish on the right.
Ah, those puddles freezing on cold nights, and expanding within the tarmac, breaking it apart. Lovely 😮😮
Thank you for the update great video 🎉
where are they going to put the mile stone you were talking about in previous videos Karl ?
If they can’t lay a path evenly what hope of them getting the rail laid evenly?
Thanks for the update Karl, it's a very good point about what do they do with the trees that have been felled, it must run into thousands all told. I really hope that the wood is put to good use after being sacrificed to this project! I agree totally about no guard rails, especially on the bridge.
the level of workmanship on that path is appalling.
Thanks for the update Karl.
"This road is temporary"… Temporary has a whole new meaning in the context of HS2!