What Happened
Shropshire Council has secured £350,000 from Active Travel England to construct a new footpath connecting RAF Cosford to Cosford railway station. This initiative aims to provide a safe walking route for the thousands of visitors attending events such as the Cosford Air Show, where currently, pedestrians must walk along the road without a safe refuge.
Why It Matters
The construction of the footpath is significant for both residents and visitors, as it will enhance safety and accessibility. With RAF Cosford attracting nearly half a million visitors annually, including over 50,000 for the air show, the new path will alleviate traffic pressure on local roads. Additionally, new street lighting will be installed to further improve safety. Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for transport and economic growth, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “A safe walking route from Cosford station to the RAF museum has been a missing link for a long time.”
What’s Next
Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of June 2026 and is expected to be completed in time for the school summer holidays in July 2026. During the construction phase, the speed limit on the road will be reduced to 30mph to ensure the safety of the workforce and will remain at that limit post-completion. Discussions are also underway with West Midlands Rail Executive to support the anticipated increase in pedestrian traffic to RAF Cosford.
