£7m Telford walkway gets planning approval
Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning committee last night approved plans for the proposed iconic walkway.
Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning committee last night approved plans for the proposed iconic walkway.
The new bridge – likely to cost around £7m and funded by the Department for Transport – will cross over the Birmingham-Shrewsbury railway line, the A442 and Rampart Way, which will be a dual carriageway by the time the bridge is installed.
Public art on the planned new footbridge linking Telford town centre with Telford Central railway station will reflect the local heritage including the Iron Bridge – after a decision by councillors.
However, they stipulated that the decorative art on the glass panels should represent Iron Bridge so that the new bridge paid homage to its famous counterpart.
The new bridge will be more accessible for disabled people than the current bridge because it will not be as steep. The existing bridge is also very expensive to maintain.
The replacement of the bridge will support the regeneration of Telford Central railway station and provide an attractive new gateway to the town.
The work to upgrade the Town Centre’s transport infrastructure, which started with the Box Road being made two way, will also include Rampart Way and part of Hall Park Way becoming dual carriageways. Work starts on Rampart Way on Monday.
Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Transport, said: “Last night’s decision to approve the plans for the new bridge means that the design process can begin in earnest, ahead of construction starting in the New Year.
“The new bridge will be an iconic feature that will provide an attractive gateway to the Town Centre. We are very fortunate that the Department for Transport money is being spent in Telford and it will help to regenerate Telford Central station.”
The replacement bridge will be constructed alongside the existing bridge, which will remain in operation until the new bridge is completed.
Residents can view the plans at www.telford.gov.uk/connectivity
