Mayor Dave Announces Project to Build New Cycle and Pedestrian Bridge Alongside Bromham Road Bridge

Mayor Dave Hodgson has announced that Bedford Borough Council will construct a separate, dedicated cycle and pedestrian bridge alongside Bromham Road Bridge in Bedford. The Council has secured a deal with Network Rail to enable it to build the bridge over the railway, alongside the road bridge which Network Rail is replacing as part of its project to electrify the lines.

Bromham Road bridge is a notorious location for pedestrians and cyclists in particular, especially with large numbers of schoolchildren using it every morning and afternoon. The new dedicated foot and cycle bridge will enable a safer route for those on bikes or on foot, away from the traffic.

The deal secures permission for the council to build the cycle/foot bridge over the railway, along with Network Rail's agreement to leave in place the foundations of the temporary footbridge being used during the road bridge's closure.

The deal also secures a financial contribution from Network Rail, and a commitment that it will work with the Council to identify funding sources.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: This bridge is on a route used by huge numbers of people on foot and on bikes, especially schoolchildren. That's why we've taken action to secure these commitments from Network Rail and ensure a safer route for all pedestrians and cyclists.'

"Network Rail's replacement of the road bridge will sadly cause major disruption. This deal we've struck means that we will at least be able to deliver a permanent, major improvement for pedestrians and cyclists.'

"There's a long way to go on this project and a lot of work to do, including putting the funding together. But today we're pleased to confirm it will go ahead and cyclists and pedestrians will get the safer route across the railway that they deserve."

The deal between the Council and Network Rail Work means that the legal agreements to secure the Council's right to build the foot and cycle bridge is in place. Work on design, planning and funding will follow, with construction of the permanent foot/cycle bridge to follow the replacement of the road bridge by Network Rail.