The Hayling Billy Trail Project

Hayling Billy Trail Project phases 1A and 1B win major Cycle-Rail Award from Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) - see South West Trains' press release >>

The Hayling Billy Trail is a footpath which runs from Havant town centre (New Lane level crossing) southwards through Langstone and onto Hayling Island where it becomes the Hayling Billy Coastal Path. The route of the Trail mostly follows the old 'Hayling Billy' Railway which closed in 1963.

The current upgrade to the Hayling Billy Trail is being carried out to provide part of the National Cycle Network (route NCR 2) being developed by Sustrans, the UK 's leading sustainable transport charity.

The upgrade was first proposed in 1995 and although has been scaled down from earlier proposals (which included a new bridge onto Hayling Island) it currently comprises the following main elements:

Phase 1 - Havant town centre to Langstone - completed August 2002
Phase 1A - Fairfield Road to Havant Station car park - completed October 2003
Phase 1B - Havant Station car park - completed Autumn 2006
Phase 2 - Hayling Bridge to West Town
Phase 3 - Langstone to Hayling Bridge - completed 2010
Phase 3A - Langstone Bridge - completed 2003
Other proposals include further sections of cycle routes eastwards from Fairfield Road to Warblington School.

This website will hold information regarding the progress of the project, through planning and design, into construction and use. Over time it will develop in the form of an on-line 'diary' showing how a major civil engineering project develops and is built. We hope that you will enjoy your visit to this part of the site, find it useful and will take time to let us have your comments on how useful you find it.

This site currently contains the following information:

History of the Hayling Billy railway including a photo & video archive dating from the 1930s to 1963
Background to the project
Phase 1 map, details and commentary (Fairfield Road to Langstone)
Phase 1 before and after (text / stills / video)
Phase 1A (Fairfield Road to Havant Station car park)
Phase 1B (Havant Station link, and cycle shelter)
Phase 3 (Langstone 'bypass')

The project is supported by Havant Borough Council in partnership with SUSTRANS, Hampshire County Council and Veolia.