A new 4.7km active travel route connecting Enfield Town Station to Broxbourne has officially been opened by Enfield Council and project partners, dramatically improving accessibility and safety.
The new route, delivered by Enfield Council’s Journeys and Places team, is designed to encourage greener travel, improve connections between the boroughs of Enfield and Broxbourne, and promote health and wellbeing through walking and cycling.
Running adjacent to the New River for 2.9km, with a further 1.8km along local roads, the project enhances access to one of London’s most historic waterways while linking communities and transport hubs.
The project is funded by National Highways (formerly known as Highways England) through the Designated Funds programme. Some of the on-road sections are funded by Transport for London.
The official opening of the route on 18 June welcomed a wide range of guests, including representatives from National Highways, the Deputy Leader of Enfield Council and London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman.
The New River, constructed more than 400 years ago to supply fresh water to London, is a treasured part of Enfield’s heritage. This project has revitalised sections of the existing New River Path and created new, accessible routes for residents and visitors to enjoy, many for the first time.
The walking and cycling route includes new surfacing, signage, seating and landscaping to improve the experience for users and enhance biodiversity along the corridor.
Councillor Tim Leaver, Deputy Leader of Enfield Council, said: “We’re proud to deliver this fantastic route, which makes it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle between Enfield and Broxbourne. It highlights the beauty and history of the New River enabling the community to make greater use of the area, while supporting our commitment to more sustainable, local travel. Schemes like this play an important role in improving local journeys, encouraging more active travel and connecting communities. It’s a great example of how targeted investment can benefit people and the environment.”
Chris Welby-Everard, Director of Significant Projects at National Highways, said: “We’re proud to support Enfield Council with more than £3 million from our Customer and Communities Designated Funds to help deliver this new route.
“As well as our recent work to improve capacity at junction 25 of the M25, we are committed to looking beyond road journeys and supporting more active forms of travel.
“We’re delighted to use this fund to help promote healthier lifestyles and better connections for local communities.”
The route is part of Enfield Council’s broader strategy to enable more sustainable transport choices, improve air quality, and create thriving neighbourhoods. The project also contributes to the Council’s wider ambition to enhance the borough, making it greener, healthier and better connected. Read more about the project on the Let’s Talk Enfield Project Page.