Work to begin shortly to improve the Black Path Footbridge
Warwickshire County Council is about to begin work to upgrade the southern access to the Black Path footbridge in Rugby.
The improvements will make this well-used bridge more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists and those with mobility problems, and will include CCTV to improve safety.
It is being funded through the County Council’s Local Transport Plan, which aims to improve accessibility and safety.
The upgrading of the Black Path footbridge, which was last improved in the 1960s when the West Coast Main Line (WCML) was electrified, is happening over three stages.
The first stage of works were completed last year, when Network Rail replaced the main bridge span as part of the WCML route upgrade. The second phase of work includes the replacement of the existing southern access steps and bridge span across the Woodside Business Park with a new bridge span and ramp. The third and final phase will see the replacement of the steps on the northern side of the footbridge with a ramp. These works are due to take place as part of the Sustrans ‘Connect2’ project to improve the Leicester Road viaduct as a cycle route. This, along with the upgraded Black Path footbridge will form part of Route 53 of the National Cycle Network between Birmingham and Northamptonshire.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, says: “A lot of work has been necessary to get to this point, but I’m pleased to announce that we’re ready to replace the existing steps and footbridge with a structure fit for the 21st Century. Although there will be some disruption whilst the footbridge is closed, we believe that these improvements will bring a long term benefit to the town.”
Demolition of the existing span over the Woodbridge Business Park and the southern steps is due to begin later this month. The works to provide the new structure and associated ramp are due to be completed by Spring 2009. During this period, the footbridge will not be available for public use. Alternative routes for pedestrians will be signed for the duration of the footpath closure.