Two new bridges to enhance safety and provide access for walking, wheeling and cycling were installed across the railway line on Glenferness Avenue in Bournemouth last weekend in a major milestone for the project.
Funded through the UK Government’s Transforming Cities Fund1, the four-metre-wide, 31-metre-long prefabricated bridges were installed over the mainline railway in a 27-hour period between 1 and 2 October. The existing pedestrian bridge was also removed for demolition and recycling. Works were completed one hour ahead of schedule.
Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy at BCP Council, said:
“This is a major achievement by the project team who worked around-the-clock to ensure the bridges were installed in a tight 27-hour time window. The new bridges will make a significant difference to motorists as well as to those walking, wheeling and cycling, enabling safe, sustainable journeys and solving the longstanding pinch point at the narrow road bridge.”
Work to connect the bridges to new bridge ramps, pavements and stepped cycle lanes on Glenferness Avenue between Elgin Road and Alyth Road is expected to complete by December 2023, at which time the bridges will be open to the public.
Improvements will also be made to the junction with East Avenue, and a new toucan crossing will be installed on Glenferness Avenue just north of East Avenue. This is due to complete by the end of February 2024.
More information about the walking, wheeling and cycling improvements planned along Glenferness Avenue is available here.
Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News
