Success as new proposals received for Wapley footbridge over railway

Paul Hulbert at the Wapley Footbridge

We reported previously that Network Rail's original plans for raising the footbridge from Shire Way to Wapley Common had been rejected by South Gloucestershire Council.

Network Rail have now produced much more realistic plans, with a bridge width of 3 metres which will accomodate bikes and pushchairs safely. They presented their plans to Dodington Parish Council's Planning Committee yesterday evening, and the plans will be made more widely available shortly.

The bridge needs to be modified to cope with the electrification of the main railway line. There will be a temporary footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists while work takes place, but unfortunately the temporary bridge will not be suitable for pushchairs.

Work is likely to restart in November, with the bridge being closed from December to March.