Dee Estuary Multi-User Route Feasibility Study

Client: : Cadwyn Clwyd and Flintshire County Council Location: : Llanerch-y-mor, North Wales

Cadwyn Clwyd and Flintshire County Council commissioned HDD to undertake a feasibility study to assess the options for creating a safe and attractive link for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders (multi user) for a key section of the Wales Coastal Path at Llannerch-y-Mor. The existing route which diverts inland in order to cross a small tributary is unsatisfactory as it requires users to either go under a low railway bridge which floods at high tide or to deviate via a steep railway embankment on sub-standard steps.  The proposed route would improve sustainable transport links to the employment centres at Mochdre as well as improving recreation routes to Abakhan Fabrics, a popular local craft and heritage centre with cafe facilities.

The feasibility study included:

• baseline review of landownerships, easements, legal and planning context,
• dialogue and liaison with key stakeholders,
• desk and on site survey and assessment of the physical constraints, issues and opportunities,
• identification of the preferred route option,
• outline design concepts for the preferred route option,
• high-level cost estimates for construction of the new link,
• a ‘Connectivity Assessment’ of the proposed route,
• next steps, for developing the new route.