Cambridgeshire County Council is proposing to build a cycle and footbridge, with cycle and footpath links, over the River Great Ouse in St Neots, to connect the communities of Eaton Socon and Eynesbury.

At the moment if you want to walk or cycle between Eaton Socon and Eynesbury you have to make a considerable detour. For many people it is difficult to get to work, school or to the shops by foot or bike.

A new bridge in this area would make walking and cycling a safe and attractive way for people of all ages to make everyday journeys using more sustainable forms of transport.

Background
 

A public consultation on the overall route and location of the bridge was been carried out in 2003. The most popular route, suggested by residents, was then taken forward for detailed design. Thanks to your numerous votes, the scheme is one of the projects benefiting from the Big Lottery Fund.

Following two public exhibitions held in December 2008, the detailed chosen design is now at an advanced stage.

What will the bridge look like?

The bridge span will have an overall length of about 346 metres. There will be approach ramps on either side of the bridge to make sure it is still usable during normal flooding. The bridge has been designed in agreement with the Environment Agency to ensure the
effects of flooding in the area are minimised as much as possible.

The structure of the bridge will be made up of a ‘bow string arch’ bridge, along with a 3 metre-wide cycle and footpath approaching it. The access ramps at either end of the bridge will be of a gentle gradient (1 in 20) to allow access for people with disability.

The bridge height has been designed to minimise its visual impact on the surrounding area, whilst at the same time maintaining good clearance underneath for boats.

The bridge structure and approach paths will be lit at night-time (subject to planning permission) to make it feel safer for users. Benches along the route will all be suitable for people with disabilities or walking difficulties.

The bridge itself will be made from steel, and coated with an anti-slip surface. It will also be painted in a natural colour to blend in with the surrounding area.

A location plan of the bridge is available on the right hand side of this page.

Possible timeline of key events

Please note, the timescales given are indicative and may be subject to change.

Connect2 and the The Big Lottery Fund’s (BIG) Living Landmarks: The people’s millions 

Last year Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, made a bid, called Connect2, to The Big Lottery Fund’s (BIG) Living Landmarks: The people’s Millions. Sustrans won £50 million to spend on improving cycle and footpath links nationwide.

The St Neots Foot and Cycle Bridge is one of the schemes that is benefiting from the lottery money. Sustrans is planning on spending £600,000 to improve the cycle links to and from the new bridge, as well as providing some public art along the route.

How much will the bridge cost and who is paying for it?

The bridge is estimated to cost £3.5 million and it would be paid for by Cambridgeshire County Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and developers working in the area. Sustrans is contributing an additional £600,000. This money will go towards improving the cycle links to and from the bridge and incorporating public art into the bridge.