SC22328 - AE36 (Byway) Surface Repairs

Kent County Council is seeking to commission a Contractor to deliver surface repairs to a Byway, which is part of the North Downs Way National Trail. The path is located in Chilham, Ashford.

In recent years the surface of the Byway has become significantly rutted, with loose flints and stones dispersed throughout, and at sections, the underlying native chalk substrate exposed, a consequence of heavy rainfall and the flow of surface water combined with the gradient of the path.

Frequent pedestrian, cycle and equestrian traffic along this section of the Byway, as well as its current condition prevent it from recovering and continued use by these groups will cause it to deteriorate further and inhibit use from this range of user groups both during dry and wet weather.

The intention is to create a planer path with a slight crossfall to steer and allow surface water to run off the path into adjacent woodland. Where there is woodland or drainage ditches on either side of the path, a cambered surface on the Byway is proposed.

The North Downs Way (NDW), which has National Trail status, is a popular and heavily used trail through Kent and recognised and lauded for its spectacular views and fascinating heritage, traversing the Kent Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. By carrying out repairs and improvements to the surface, it will maintain access, allows safe an accessible passage and supports continued and longer-term tourism, as well as sustainable economic, environmental and social benefits. Furthermore, the improvements will facilitate and mitigate the expected increase in the number of people using the route and rural Anti-Social Behaviour, together with significantly reducing further damage to the surface.

The Experience project supports the development and delivery of sustainable projects that enable the improvement and enjoyment of the Kent countryside, particularly those which can be promoted and used by the local community and visitors during the winter months (October to March, referred to as the 'off season').

The Experience project focuses on outdoor tourism activities and opportunities which actively encourage and attract walkers, cyclists and equestrians to the Kent countryside, as well as promoting active travel and supporting the local economy. The East Kent Public Rights of Way (PROW) Team has a particular remit to improve the routes along the Cycling UK East Kent Riders Route, as well as the renowned National Trail, the North Downs Way, both of which this Byway is part of.

Through the Experience Project funding, the East Kent PROW team have a dedicated project budget to support and proactively deliver infrastructure improvement projects that mutually contribute to and achieve these outcomes. There is a requirement for prompt delivery and completion, as the Experience Project concludes at the end of March 2023, by which time the funding allocated to support these improvement works must be spent.

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