New footbridge over M3 motorway in Surrey officially opened
He added: "We know how important this bridge is to the community."While demolishing the previous structure caused inconvenience, the new bridge is safer, wider, stronger and more suitable for cyclists – and we hope it will be enjoyed by everyone."The new bridge – at 63m (206ft) long, 4m (13.1ft) wide and weighing nearly 100 tonnes – was lifted into place in July after months of construction. Mesh and anti-climb measures were fitted as a safety measure. Plans to install the bridge in April had to be postponed because concrete in one of its abutments had not hardened properly.A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday with Surrey Heath MP Dr Al Pinkerton and Louise Ashbery, the Mayor of Surrey Heath. Ms Ashbery said: "I know that local residents and groups have been looking forward to this walkway being reinstated as it provides such a useful link for walkers and cyclists. "I am sure it will bring a lot of joy for many years to come."
Stephen Deacon and Pauline Hurford live on the Connaught Estate on the Bagshot side of the motorway and regularly access Lightwater Country Park on the other side. Mr Deacon said: "We've been waiting about 18 months for this, quite a while. So we're really pleased."It gives us more freedom. We really like walking round here."Ms Hurford said: "It has been very difficult. We have had to drive just to get to the park. "We're now able to enjoy the park properly again by walking."Evie Tweddell walks in the park most days with her family. She said: "The new bridge looks beautiful. "And connecting the two towns again will be really good for the people who go across the motorway."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
15 hours ago
- BBC News
New footbridge over M3 motorway in Surrey officially opened
A new footbridge has been officially opened over the M3 in bridge, for walkers and cyclists, at Bagshot Heath spans the motorway between junction three at Lightwater and junction four at Frimley.A previous bridge at the same site was demolished in 2023 after engineers found issues with its "ability to withstand collisions and the risk posed from high vehicles", National Highways said. Nick Axford, the organisation's project manager, said: "We are committed to looking beyond road journeys and supporting more active forms of travel, healthier lifestyles and better local connections." He added: "We know how important this bridge is to the community."While demolishing the previous structure caused inconvenience, the new bridge is safer, wider, stronger and more suitable for cyclists – and we hope it will be enjoyed by everyone."The new bridge – at 63m (206ft) long, 4m (13.1ft) wide and weighing nearly 100 tonnes – was lifted into place in July after months of construction. Mesh and anti-climb measures were fitted as a safety measure. Plans to install the bridge in April had to be postponed because concrete in one of its abutments had not hardened properly.A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday with Surrey Heath MP Dr Al Pinkerton and Louise Ashbery, the Mayor of Surrey Heath. Ms Ashbery said: "I know that local residents and groups have been looking forward to this walkway being reinstated as it provides such a useful link for walkers and cyclists. "I am sure it will bring a lot of joy for many years to come." Stephen Deacon and Pauline Hurford live on the Connaught Estate on the Bagshot side of the motorway and regularly access Lightwater Country Park on the other side. Mr Deacon said: "We've been waiting about 18 months for this, quite a while. So we're really pleased."It gives us more freedom. We really like walking round here."Ms Hurford said: "It has been very difficult. We have had to drive just to get to the park. "We're now able to enjoy the park properly again by walking."Evie Tweddell walks in the park most days with her family. She said: "The new bridge looks beautiful. "And connecting the two towns again will be really good for the people who go across the motorway."
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Surrey County Council seeks views on nature recovery strategy
Surrey County Council has said it is aiming to "reverse decades of decline" in its natural habitats as it invites residents to help shape its environment authority has launched a public consultation on its draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), a new plan to protect and restore nature across the strategy includes establishing new urban woodland, new ponds and wildflower areas, restoring rivers and reducing the use of Heath, council cabinet member for environment, said: "Surrey is a county that has rich wildlife, but we know it's under pressure – and we must act now to protect and restore it." Heath said it was a "pivotal moment" for nature in Surrey. "The Local Nature Recovery Strategy gives us a real opportunity to reverse decades of decline and create a thriving, connected natural environment that benefits both wildlife and people," she the plans, the county council said it was aiming to encourage environmentally-friendly land use, while also slowing down pollution and the effects of also plans to promote the use of nature-friendly methods of taking care of the land, such as using grass-eating plants to maintain field rather than lawn is hoping the strategy will also keep public spaces clean and save Creaye-Griffin, director of the Surrey Nature Partnership, said: "This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for nature recovery in Surrey."The consultation on the plans will run until 25 September and is available on the Surrey County Council plans will then be reviewed and agreed by the council's cabinet in early 2026.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Young peregrine falcon rescued from roof in Addlestone
A young peregrine falcon has been successfully reintroduced to his natural environment after being rescued from a roof in Surrey. The chick was first spotted on CCTV on the roof of Surrey Towers in Addlestone by Nicola Harding, a control centre operator at Runnymede Borough Council.A bird specialist was then enlisted to rescue the falcon and take him off site for extra care before being successfully returned to the area several weeks his return, the council said the young falcon had been seen regularly on CCTV near its original nest, often alongside his parents.
