7.8 C
West Bridgford
Wednesday, December 4, 2024

New £9.2 million bridge over the River Trent – developers appointed with 2023 completion date

The exact location of the bridge is yet to be determined, but is currently expected to be to the East of Lady Bay bridge.

Plans for a new pedestrian footbridge over the Trent has moved a significant step towards becoming a reality, after developers were appointed.

It will be the first new bridge over the Trent in Nottingham for more than 60 years – since Clifton Bridge was opened in 1958.

Developers Amey hope to complete the £9.2 million project by Spring 2023.

The scheme aims to link a broad new riverside foot and cycle path at the emerging Waterside development on the north bank with the already-existing path on the south side of the river.

The exact location of the bridge is yet to be determined, but is currently expected to be to the East of Lady Bay bridge.

- Advertisement -

It has been funded by the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, which Nottingham City Council and Derby City Council together got £162 million from.

The funding will go towards a wide range of projects, including tram extension studies, and a new cycle path joining the city with Derby.

Developer Amey Consulting said: “The area under consideration for the bridge is to the east of Lady Bay Bridge and would connect the Trentside path at Lady Bay on the south bank to the Waterside regeneration area on the north bank.

“A broad river-side walkway for pedestrians and cyclists has also been proposed and among the main considerations for the design is integration with Nottingham’s existing walking and cycling network.”

Hugh McClintock is the chairman of the steering group behind the bridge, and said while they had been working towards a new bridge on the current site for six years, aspirations for a new foot and cycle bridge on the eastern side of the city dated back at least 20 years.

He said: “The money for the bridge has to be spent within the next three years, so there’s still quite a way to go, with working up the detailed design and so on.

“I understand there’s likely to be a planning application some time next Summer, and there will be consultation on that, and there might be some changes to the design before it actually goes ahead.

“It’s all a useful part of the project, but big projects like this never happen that rapidly even when you got lots of supporters, as we have managed to get.

“I think the bridge will have many advantages, for both walkers and cyclists, and for both leisure and commuting purposes. The main thing is there’s no safe crossing for cyclists or pedestrians on that side of Nottingham.

“On the other side you’ve got the suspension bridge, which is well used, and broadly speaking we’ve always seen the new bridge as being an equivalent of that for the East side of Nottingham.”

Councillor Adele Williams, Portfolio Holder for Transport at Nottingham City Council, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to offer a new option for both commuting and recreational trips, enhancing connections between Sneinton and the green spaces and riverside paths south of the river.

“The bridge is a key component in the Waterside Regeneration area, providing infrastructure to encourage walking and cycling, including linking to the city’s existing cycling corridors. It will ultimately help to reduce unnecessary car journeys and air pollution, having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of everyone in the city.”

Speaking on the announcement, Alex Gilbert, Managing Director, Amey Consulting, said, “We are delighted to work with Nottingham City Council on a new cycle crossing over the River Trent.

“Bridge design is a core strength of Amey Consulting and we will provide the City Council with a practical, sustainable and deliverable infrastructure design.

“Furthermore, our expertise in asset management means that minimising future maintenance costs to the City Council will be a key focus.

“Once constructed, this new bridge and walkway will play a crucial role in encouraging active travel across Nottingham which will support a healthier population and a cleaner environment.”

The crossing is set to be completed by Spring 2023.

Follow The Wire on TikTok, Facebook, X, Instagram. Send your story to newsdesk@westbridgfordwire.com or on 0115 772 0418

Categories:
 

 

Latest