Reptile tunnel features in new airport road

A new access road has been opened at Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, which its builders claim features the country's first ever reptile tunnel.

The £5 million stretch of road was opened yesterday (December 12), with the airport's shuttle bus being the first vehicle to travel along it, and it also features more than a kilometre of cycle way.

Peter Nears, of Peel Holdings the parent company of the airport owners, said: "Environment issues are at the forefront in the design of the new road. With over 1,200 metres of cycle paths installed, combined with our commitment to encouraging airport users to travel by public transport.

"Suitably today, the very first vehicle to have used the new road being the Airport Arrow shuttle bus service. We will be planting some 6,000 new trees and shrubs, and as we continue to seek to act responsibly towards our surroundings, the construction of the country’s first ever reptile tunnel being a significant achievement by all involved."

The tunnel was built to protect existing reptile habitats, and provide new environments for them, with reptile friendly fencing also installed around the road and the tunnel features internal heating and lighting to prevent wildlife using it for hibernation.

The road will relieve traffic from Hayfield Lane and Auckley and is part of an overall scheme to bring together the airport, its business park and associated businesses including the new Ramada Encore Hotel, due to open in the summer.

© Cheapflights Ltd Craig McGinty