Oughtibridge Valley Active Travel Link FAQs
What’s the purpose of the scheme?
We’re creating a new walking, wheeling and cycling route to make it quicker, safer and easier to travel between Oughtibridge and the new Oughtibridge Valley housing development. This aims to reduce traffic and parking problems in the village, as more people choose to leave the car at home.
What changes are planned?
The scheme includes a new bridge over the River Don and a walking and cycling route that links the housing development to Forge Lane.
We’ll upgrade the existing private track from Forge Lane to the sports pitches. This will include passing places to make this section safer for everyone to use. We’ll also build new route sections to connect Forge Lane, the bridge, and the riverside path within the housing site.
The map shown highlights the proposed route. This links to a separate riverside path being built as part of the housing development. The southern end of the route will join Forge Lane.
Will any roads be affected?
Sheffield City Council will adopt and maintain the full route, including the upgraded track from Forge Lane to the sports pitches. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use the whole route, but a gate will restrict access to the sport pitches. Only approved users will be allowed into the sports pitches, as is currently the case.
During construction, there may be some disruption. Machinery, equipment and materials will be needed to build the route and bridge. This is likely to affect local traffic — mainly for residents in the new development, those on Forge Lane, and people who use the existing vehicle track and sport pitches.
If you’re worried about disabled access, property access or deliveries, please get in touch with us.
How is it funded?
In 2019, Sheffield City Council, Barnsley Council and the housing developer formalised an agreement for the developer to contribute towards walking and cycling improvements. This contribution increased with inflation. Nearly £950,000 has now been claimed by Sheffield City Council.
The Council has also secured an extra £1.9 million from the UK Government via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. This funding is specifically allocated to support transport projects that encourage walking, cycling and other forms of sustainable travel.
Why is it taking so long and will it be built?
We’re committed to delivering the scheme but there is still work to be done. We’re working with a contractor to develop detail designs, plan construction and understand final costs. It will need planning permission and formal approval, including confirmation of funding subject to final costs. If we can secure all permissions, approvals and funding, we’ll work with the contractor to progress to construction in early 2027.
Key challenges we need to overcome at this stage relate to:
Access:
The site is tricky to reach. We want to protect trees and wildlife, and the landscape limits the size of crane we can use. The bridge design will be chosen during the detailed design stage, balancing environmental impact, cost and construction timelines.
Ecology:
We must develop proposals which minimise impacts on wildlife, trees, river flows and flooding. New laws mean we must leave the area with more or better-quality natural habitat than before. Some work can only happen at certain times of year due to nesting birds and other seasonal factors.
Partnerships:
We’re working with developers and landowners. So far, no major concerns have been raised. We’ll coordinate with the developers and work to reduce disruption for nearby residents.
Cost:
Final costs will decide whether we can build the route with the funding available. Any budget changes will need formal approval.
Will changes to the Sheffield/Barnsley border affect the scheme?
The housing site used to be in Barnsley, but it’s now under the control of Sheffield City Council. We’ll work with the developer to make sure all parts of the route are built to standards that ensure they can be maintained in future. A small section of the route will remain in Barnsley, but we intend to manage and maintain the full active travel link.
How are you consulting with the public?
We’ve kept local councillors, committee members, and community groups informed. We’ve spoken with sports pitch users, the Upper Don Trail Trust, landowners, developers, and the Street Trees partnership.
You can find updates on this page. Residents near the route will get letters.
To share your views or ask questions, email transport@sheffield.gov.uk
Will parking be affected?
No parking spaces will be removed or changed. By encouraging walking and cycling, the scheme should reduce pressure on parking in and around Oughtibridge.