Environment
Recycled plastic keeps cyclists and walkers on the go in Okehampton
Posted on: 8 February 2012
A cycleway and footpath has been saved for future generations thanks to a £100,000 improvement scheme on the Granite Way path.
The replacement 52 metre long retaining wall has just been completed on the ancient path between the Meldon Viaduct and Okehampton which is part of the National Cycle Network.
The original retaining structure was a gabion wall which was on top of an earlier dry stone wall and sandwiched between Meldon Woods and Meldon Railway Station It’s believed this structure was constructed around 12 years ago as part of the original cyclepath/station construction works.
The material used to build the ‘crib wall’ is made primarily from recycled High Density Polyethylene plastic. This relatively new application of such a material was chosen as the local ground was discovered to be highly acidic. Indeed, some samples tested showed the soil to have a pH level of 3.5, approaching the acidity of stomach acid! Plastic, however, is very resistant to acid attack making it an ideal substitute to the more traditional construction
In addition to the replacement of the gabion wall, a 10m length of the dry stone wall beneath had to be taken down as it was found to be in very poor condition. This section of wall was rebuilt in front of and below the crib wall in order to maintain the stone wall appearance rather than increasing the crib wall height.
Cabinet member for Highways and Transportation Stuart Hughes says; “Temporary repairs were made to the gabion wall in 2010 but it was felt that a permanent design solution was always needed. With the path now reopened, users of both the Granite Way and Dartmoor Railway can enjoy continued use to and from Okehampton, Meldon and beyond for the foreseeable future.”
Local member for Okehampton Rural, Councillor Christine Marsh says; “The Granite Way is one of the most beautiful stretches of the National Cycle Network. This part of the route looks across to the Castle and passes through the lovely Bluebell Woods which is part of Meldon Woods. The local people and visitors all use this path to visit the Meldon Viaduct and enjoy the breath taking views across to Dartmoor and to Meldon Dam. I am pleased that it is now open again.”
Access to the site involved liaison with Bardon Aggregates (owners of Meldon Quarry, situated to the other side of the railway) and Dartmoor Railway to gain permission for access, to cross the tracks and use the station platform to carry out works. In addition, the woodland itself is owned by Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council and is within Dartmoor National Park, who manage the woodland on their behalf. This meant early involvement with both these parties to progress the scheme.
The works required the path to be shut at Meldon station, meaning members of the public had to be diverted using the local footpaths and the road network. It was decided to carry out the works during the winter period as the path is more heavily used by locals and tourists between spring and autumn.
Hi, My company P C Construction manufactured and installed the Ecocrib wall at Oakhampton.
I would like to put this article on to my web site.
Can you confirm that I can do this please.
Regards
Hello Mr Cross. Yes, please link to this article on your website.