Bridge replacement - your questions answered
Why have you closed the bridges?
The council has closed the bridges following a structural assessment which deemed the bridges to be unsafe.
Will the bridges be replaced?
Following pre-decision scrutiny by the Environment and Community Services Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee, the Portfolio Holder for Sustainability, Green Services and Open Spaces approved the replacement of bridge B in January 2023.
Footbridge B provides greater value in terms of access and navigation through the park to amenities such as the playground, café and toilets.
In light of budgetary considerations, footbridge A will remain closed but in-situ should its replacement prove possible at a later date.
The decision was based on a business case informed by a feasibility study which was produced by the council’s appointed specialist engineering firm.
When will footbridge B be replaced?
The council’s appointed engineering specialists have now completed the preliminary design of the replacement structure, which included intrusive ground investigations, ecological and arboricultural surveys and preliminary designs of the bridge abutments.
In December 2023, the tender was released for the procurement of a contractor to design and build the replacement bridge. Unfortunately, no responses were received, and the council has therefore been engaging with the market to revise the procurement process and make it more feasible for potential bidders.
| Stage | Details | Completion date |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary design |
Intrusive ground investigations, ecology and arboricultural surveys. Preliminary design of footbridge abutments. |
Complete |
| Procurement of a principal contractor |
Preparation of and amendment to existing tender documents. |
February 2024 to May 2024 |
| Tender period |
Project live on the council’s tender portal. Evaluation of tender. Standstill period and contract award. |
May 2024 to September 2024 |
| Detailed design |
Full design of the bridge by chosen contractor. Construction on site. |
October 2024 to September 2025 |
What is the cost to replace bridge B?
The council is at the feasibility stage of this project with the business case including a high-level estimate on the total costs to deliver the replacement bridge.
The total estimated cost to deliver this project is £567k. This includes the construction of the bridge and works that are likely to be needed to the abutments and embankment substrates, as well as design and survey work. The cost estimate includes a high level of contingency to allow for the potential impacts of the additional survey work, inflation and other uncertain market conditions.
The council is now undertaking further surveys and produce designs which will form the basis of the tender for the replacement bridge. Costs will be refined through this process, with the market ultimately determining, through a competitive tender process, the cost of providing the replacement bridge. If costs differ significantly from those that inform the basis of the business case, this will be reported back through the committee process for review.