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Worcestershire County Council's Planning Committee has given the thumbs up to a new walking and cycling bridge at Diglis.  Planning permission was unanimously granted at County Hall for the bridge, which is scheduled to open in June 2010.  The bridge is part of the Sustrans’ Connect2 project, funded by a £50 million Big Lottery Fund grant after the UK public, including Worcestershire residents voted the Sustrans' Connect2 the winner of The People’s Millions Lottery contest in December 2007.

The project is a partnership between the County Council, Worcester City Council and Sustrans. Many new walking and cycling links have already been completed in preparation for the bridge, which will cost around £2million. Construction work is set to start in November.     It will be constructed just south of Diglis Island, linking the Weir Lane footpath with Navigation Road and the Severn Way footpath. The bridge and surrounding links will create many leisure and commuting opportunities and make travelling across Worcester, on foot or bike, a more pleasant experience.

Cllr Derek Prodger MBE, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for Transport and Safe Environment, said: “These works being completed across Worcester are essential for reducing traffic congestion within the city and providing residents with safe and sustainable travel choices. I am pleased that construction of the new Diglis Bridge can now begin, delivering the connecting walk-cycle links that local people voted for. The bridge and additional links will increase freedom of movement around Worcester and will improve our quality of lives through cost savings, reduced congestion and improved health.”

Cllr Alwyn Davies, Chair of the Planning & Regulatory Committee, said: "This is a large, important application and part of the process of improving walkways and cycleways in the city."

Henry Harbord, Area Manager for Sustrans, said: "In combination with the City Council's wonderful riverside path enhancements, this bridge will be a superb centre piece for the planned network of routes for cycling and walking in the city, and it will give so many people the option of getting around Worcester in a way that benfits their health and the environment.  I am certain that this project will really open up the riverside environment for everyone in Worcester to enjoy."

Published on 16th Sep 2009