22/12/2008 - Bridging the gap

Cumbria’s great outdoors is becoming even more accessible thanks to a specially designed new bridge.

Cumbria County Council, in partnership with Capita Symonds, has developed a bridge specifically for footpaths and bridleways.

The new bridge can be used for crossings of up to nine metres and is around 50 centimetres wider than traditional structures, meaning it provides easy access for prams and wheelchairs.

And although the project was only completed earlier this year two of the bridges are now in place near Carlisle – one in Rockliffe and another in Stanwix Rural.

In the past the county council’s countryside access team has had to have bespoke bridges designed for each location, but now this standard design has been developed it will mean bridges can be put in place when needed much more quickly.

The other major plus point with this design is that the sections are bolted together rather than nailed so they can be easily replaced making refurbishments a much simpler task.

Councillor Alan Clark, Cumbria County Council’s cabinet member for countryside access, said: “Cumbria has some of the best scenery and countryside anywhere in the world and it’s important that both people living in the county and visitors have good access to it.

“This bridge design will improve access for everyone, particularly those with young families and wheelchair users, so this is really good news.” 

Notes

Media enquiries to media officer John Ballard on 01228 226330.