Shropshire Star

Higher costs cause Telford railway station bridge design rethink

Planed changes to the design of a new footbridge which will link Telford town centre and the central railway station will be discussed by councillors next week.

Published

The new bridge will replace the existing red footbridge and cycle route, which council chiefs say is expensive to maintain, too steep and does not comply with the Disability Discrimination Act.

The plans for the footbridge have already been approved, but there are proposed changes to the design which will include getting rid of a planned pedestrian access ramp.

The changes have been recommended for approval by planning officers, subject to certain conditions being met.

An artist's impression of what the new footbridge could look like

A report to Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee, which meets on Wednesday, says: "The amendments proposed are sought as a result of increasing construction costs arising due to factors such as poor ground conditions under the earthwork ramps which require additional piling and groundworks.

"Limited funding is available for the project and the applicant has therefore sought to explore ways to minimise costs without compromising bridge design and concept."

The report says the most significant change will be to the south-east side of the railway line, alongside platform two, where the proposed access ramp will no longer be provided.

The alterations to the north-east side of the railway line, at platform one, would see the existing ramped approach utilised instead of providing a new structure.

The report says that the planned amendments will affect the way the bridge is accessed from both platforms at the railway station but will not affect access at the south west end onto Ironmasters Way and Rampart Way.

In the report, planning officer Steven Drury states: "The amended proposals will not materially alter the appearance of the main bridge deck structure."

It is expected that work will start on the new bridge in late June or early July. The new bridge is likely to be lifted into place in late February or early March 2018.

Work would then begin on the removal and demolition of the existing red bridge, with all work expected to be completed by late June or early July 2018.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.