£50,000 allocated for new pedestrian and cycling bridge in Bradford on Avon
Wiltshire Council and local town council collaborate on River Avon crossing
Wiltshire Council has earmarked £50,000 as part of Active Travel England funding for a prospective new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the River Avon, in partnership with Bradford on Avon Town Council.
Intended to connect Bridge Street on the south side to Bridge Yard on the north, the proposed footbridge will provide pedestrians and cyclists with an alternative route to avoid the busier Town Bridge.
The initial funding will be utilised in preparing a design and outline business case. This groundwork aims to secure further investment required for the project’s completion.
Within Wiltshire's draft four-year active travel programme, additional funding is anticipated for detailed design in financial year 2027/28, with implementation funds earmarked for financial years 2028/29 and 2029/30.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, remarked on the significance of the proposal: "Securing this funding is an important next step towards making it safer and easier for people to move around Bradford on Avon on foot and by bike."
"The investment demonstrates Our Wiltshire Plan commitment to work with local communities on their priorities," Smith added, highlighting the necessity for safer pedestrian travel across the river, especially during busy periods.
Cllr Jack Vittles, Mayor of Bradford on Avon, expressed his satisfaction with the funding allocation and the indicative investment of over £440,000 slated until 2030. "Getting this bridge built has been a top priority for the Town Council over the last five years, and residents have been clear in their desire to see this project become a reality," Vittles said.
Vittles noted the bridge’s potential benefits, emphasising increased pedestrian safety and the town centre's vibrancy. He also underlined its resilience during flooding periods to maintain north-south connectivity.
Both councils assure the community of regular updates as the project progresses.