Mildenhall branch to become busy Cycleway

[Nimbus]

The last stretch of the Mildenhall branch - Barnwell Oil Siding - plus a stretch of long-closed track-bed beyond it is to be converted into part of a new cross-Cambridge cycleway known as the Chisholm Trail. This will run from close to Chesterton level-crossing, alongside the existing railway, crossing the Cam on a new bridge next to the rail bridge, then follow the line across Ditton Meadows to join the former Mildenhall branch, where it will fork, running both ways along the former track-bed - one arm joining with an existing footpath and cycleway to Ditton Fields housing estate, with the other running across the paddock behind Barnwell Junction station and cross Newmarket Road via a new under-bridge to connect up with the existing cycleway at that point, next to Cambridge United's ground. Up to 6000 cyclists are expected to use it a day, in connection with use of the new Cambridge station, which is actually ( the second to have existed ) in Chesterton. Public opposition has been huge, mainly due to damage to the supposedly highly protected Water Meadows. For plans and other documents Google C/5005/16/CC and C/5007/16/CC. For opposition see - friendsofdittonmeadows.org.uk The short section of track running through the station itself is understood to have been obtained by the present owner. The track-bed concerned in conversion runs from TL 47657 59954 to TL 47361 59826. This will still leave a tiny patch of abandoned formation just beyond the Ditton Fields footpath.