Latest news with #footbridge
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Trust to remove unsafe Attenborough Nature Reserve bridge
A wildlife trust is preparing to remove an unsafe footbridge at a nature reserve ahead of a replacement being Works Bridge at Attenborough Nature Reserve, near Beeston in Nottinghamshire, closed to the public in April 2023 after a safety Wildlife Trust said it would soon submit plans for a replacement to Broxtowe Borough Council, with the entire project expected to cost £375,000. Work is under way to create an access route needed to remove the old bridge and install its replacement, pending approval. In March, the trust said flooding and the discovery of high voltage cables close to the planned route had delayed its bid for planning an update in July, the trust said an application would soon be submitted to Broxtowe Borough Council, and that feedback from the planning authority had been "positive and constructive".It added the bridge's technical design work was also under way. The Works Bridge - which forms part of an existing bridleway - was closed before the trust purchased the reserve in was reopened as a footpath only, as it could not be repaired to a standard required for a bridleway. But in 2023 another safety inspection of the bridge identified it was no longer safe for anybody to use, and it was closed once more. Erin McDaid, head of communications at the trust, previously said the "contentious" closure had "been a real source of frustration".
BBC News
2 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Reading footbridge closes for eight days for safety work
A river footbridge is closing for eight days for safety Drive Footbridge has worn-out areas of exposed steel deck, posing a danger to pedestrians and cyclists, Reading Borough Council bridge over the River Kennett is due to reopen on Tuesday 5 council said it had spent £4m on similar projects over two years, including the replacement of King's Meadow footbridge and repairs to Grade II listed High Bridge in the town centre. The work at Kenavon Drive has been funded through a portion of the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is paid by developers, the authority Karen Rowland, in charge of environmental services, said: "We're fortunate to have the River Kennet running through Reading."We're making loads of improvements to ensure our residents can get around the town easily and sustainably by foot or by bike."Work also started recently to refurbish the Orbit Footbridge, which is scheduled to reopen in late October. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Images show how planned £13m footbridge across busy road will look
NEW images show how a £13m footbridge over a busy road will look as the long-planned scheme finally takes a step forward. Proposals for a new crossing at the A629 between Steeton and Silsden date back years, but progress on the major project is finally being made. Bradford Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) recently held a public consultation on the project, which will see a combined pedestrian and cycle bridge built over the busy road. The feedback from the consultation has helped shape plans for the bridge, and new images showing what the crossing will look like have now been released. However, the costly project is only one part of wider plans, with a second phase to create new paths from the centres of Steeton and Silsden to the bridge currently unfunded. Reports written after the consultation say that more than 600 residents responded, with 85 per cent expressing support for the proposed bridge. There was also strong public backing for the proposed new crossing points and ramp linking the railway station to Station Road. One person responding to the consultation argued that an underpass or traffic light crossing would be better options. WYCA responded, saying: 'A bridge was considered the best option that aligned with the project's objectives as it achieved the separation required between traffic and those walking, wheeling or cycling to improve safety for all users. "Furthermore, there is less impact on traffic flow compared to a signalised crossing and there are greater safety and security benefits compared to an underpass. 'Flood risk would also be minimised when compared to an underpass.' One respondent said: 'I am concerned about unauthorised access by vehicles onto the bridge.' The Authority said it will now install additional bollards at either side of the bridge in response to these concerns. AN artist's impression of where the pedestrian/cycle route re-joins the highway (Image: WYCA) Another said the design should allow for horse riders to use the bridge. In response the authority says: 'The feasibility of accommodating equestrian users the bridge is being reviewed.' One respondent raised concerns over the huge cost of the bridge. In response, the Authority said: 'The bridge will be funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, subject to the development of a successful business case. 'The funding is separate from Council revenue funding for Council services and is ringfenced by central government for use only to deliver sustainable transport improvements and cannot be spent on council services.' The next stage of the project involves the submission of a planning application. Once planning is approved, the project team will move forward with the procurement of a construction partner. A full business case will be submitted to WYCA in early 2026. If the planning application and full business case are approved, the new bridge is expected to open in spring 2027.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Image of proposed Steeton to Silsden footbridge over A629 released
An image of how a £13m footbridge over a busy road will look has been released ahead of a planning application being Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) recently held a public consultation into the project, which will see a combined pedestrian and cycle bridge built over the A629 between Steeton and Silsden.A second stage, which is unfunded, would see new paths built from the centres of both areas to the public consultation attracted comments from 600 people in the area and 85% were said to have expressed support for the proposed bridge. There was also strong public backing for the proposed new crossing points and ramp linking the railway station to Station Road, according to the Local Democracy Reporting person responding to the consultation argued that an underpass or traffic light crossing would be better the WYCA said: "A bridge was considered the best option that aligned with the project's objectives as it achieved the separation required between traffic and those walking, wheeling or cycling to improve safety for all users."It added a bridge would have less impact on traffic flow and offered better safety and security benefits compared to an underpass. 'Sustainable transport improvements' The authority said it would also install additional bollards at the entrance to either side of the bridge, after another resident express concerns unauthorised vehicles might access the £13m cost of the proposal, the WYCA said it would be funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement "subject to the development of a successful business case"."The funding is separate from council revenue funding for council services and is ring-fenced by central government for use only to deliver sustainable transport improvements and cannot be spent on council services," a spokesperson next stage of the project involves the submission of a planning application and a full business case will be submitted to the WYCA in early the planning application and full business case were approved, the new bridge would be expected to open in spring 2027. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
7 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Devon footbridge closed in 2023 set for repairs
A "vital" footbridge in East Devon which has been closed to the public for almost two years is being dismantled so it can be repaired. Coleridge Bridge, which links the two parts of Ottery St Mary, closed to the public in December 2023 after being hit by a tree, which damaged its deck and County Council said a delay in repairing the the bridge was due to "environmental considerations" in planning the work with the Environment Jess Bailey said she was optimistic the "absolutely vital link for residents" would be repaired and opened to the public in September. A crane was being used to dismantle the bridge in sections before it would be transported off site for repairs, project staff said. Bailey said: "I'm delighted we have reached this major milestone in the re-instatement of Coleridge Bridge. "The footbridge is an absolutely vital link for residents of Ottery St Mary and students of the Kings School. "I'm really optimistic that the bridge will be opened in September which will be excellent news." Consideration from the Environment Agency was needed as repair work to the bridge's central support involves working within the riverbed. Councillor Dan Thomas said: "Everyone would have wanted this work to have got under way sooner."There's been a lot of discussions and planning with the Environment Agency in advance of getting on site to ensure environmental considerations have been factored into the work."
