Harlow Sustainable Transport Corridor Earns Double National Awards Recognition

Flagship walking, cycling and public transport scheme reaches the finals of two prestigious industry awards, highlighting its role in creating safer, greener and better-connected communities.

A major transport scheme designed to encourage greener travel and improve connectivity across Harlow has been shortlisted for two leading national industry awards, recognising both the quality of its infrastructure and the collaborative partnership behind its delivery.

The Sustainable Transport Corridor (STC), the first completed phase of the wider Harlow & Gilston Garden Towntransport programme, has secured a place on the shortlist for the National Transport Awards 2026 and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) East of England Awards.

The recognition reflects the project's contribution to enhancing active travel, public transport accessibility and sustainable growth across the town.

Transforming Journeys Across Harlow

Completed earlier this year, the scheme has created a continuous route linking Harlow Town Station, Burnt Mill Roundabout and the town centre.

The improvements include upgraded walking and cycling facilities, safer pedestrian crossings, enhanced bus infrastructure and stronger connections between surrounding neighbourhoods, making it easier for residents to travel without relying on private cars.

The corridor forms a key part of the long-term transport strategy supporting the development of the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town.

National Recognition for Active Travel

The project has been named a finalist in the Exemplary Approach to Active Travel & Public Space category at the National Transport Awards 2026.

The nomination was submitted by Essex Highways and Jacobs on behalf of Essex County Council and the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town Partnership, recognising the scheme's success in promoting healthier, safer and more sustainable travel choices.

The project was funded by Homes England as part of wider investment supporting housing growth and sustainable infrastructure.

Success at the ICE Awards

In addition to national recognition, the scheme has also been shortlisted in two categories at the ICE East of England Awards.

The project is competing for Best Infrastructure Project – Small, while the delivery partnership has also been recognised in the Team of the Year category.

The awards acknowledge not only the quality of the engineering but also the collaborative approach taken by the organisations involved in designing and delivering the scheme.

Supporting Future Growth

The Sustainable Transport Corridor represents only the first stage of a much larger programme of infrastructure improvements planned across the Harlow & Gilston Garden Town area.

Construction is already progressing on the next phase around Eastwick Roundabout, which will eventually extend the sustainable transport network to connect the planned Gilston Villages directly with the existing station-to-town-centre corridor.

Together, the projects aim to create an integrated network that encourages walking, cycling and public transport while supporting future housing and economic growth.

A Collaborative Achievement

The scheme was delivered through a partnership involving Essex Highways, Jacobs, Essex County Council and Hertfordshire County Council, with Hertfordshire acting as the accountable body for the programme.

The collaborative delivery model has been central to the project's success, bringing together engineering expertise, transport planning and local authority leadership to create infrastructure that is safer, more accessible and better connected.

Awaiting the Results

The winners of both the National Transport Awards and the ICE East of England Awards will be announced later this year.

Regardless of the outcome, the double shortlisting reflects growing recognition of the role high-quality active travel infrastructure can play in supporting sustainable communities, improving public transport connectivity and creating healthier places to live.

As Harlow continues to expand, the Sustainable Transport Corridor is already providing a blueprint for how transport investment can underpin growth while encouraging more people to choose greener ways to travel.