Environment
Bridge over the River Teign a step closer
Posted on: 7 February 2012
During the next few months, the people of Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton will see work underway on a new path from Hackney Marshes beside the railway line and a new cycle and pedestrian bridge over the Teign to Town Quay.
Devon County Council is working in partnership with charity Sustrans, as part of the charity’s work in developing new everyday walking and cycling links in communities across the UK, with funding from the Big Lottery.
The County Council has just awarded the contract for the £1.1million steel cable-stay bridge to Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd, and contractor South West Highways is carrying out the path construction.
The new bridge and paths will provide people with a safe and pleasant alternative to the busy Newton Road between Kingsteignton and Newton Abbot town centre and will shape part of the developing walking and cycling network in the area; eventually forming part of a route down the estuary to the sea and up the Teign and Bovey rivers to Dartmoor, as part of the National Cycle Network.
Improved paths are already in use – last year routes were opened in Hackney Marshes local nature reserve and have already proved a hit with the local community for walks, cycle rides and bird-watching. Last week schoolchildren from St Michael’s in Kingsteignton and St Catherine’s in Heathfield joined Sustrans volunteers and Teignbridge District Council ranger Sian Avon on the first-ever nature cycle ride in the reserve.
Sustrans’ Regional Director for the South West, Adrian Roper, said: “The new bridge over the Teign will provide a fantastic new link between Kingsteignton and Newton Abbot. The new route will also link to the railway station and industrial estate, making it easier for people to get around on foot or by bike for everyday journeys to work, school or the shops. We know that providing safe, traffic-free routes is crucial if we are going to encourage people to make more of their everyday journeys without needing to rely on a car. “
The new 90m long bridge has been designed by the County Council following several years of negotiations, detailed investigations and design development.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “This will be another landmark bridge in Devon for cyclists and pedestrians, reinforcing our status as a cycling county – which is great news for the local economy. A huge amount of improvements have already been carried out, enhancing junctions and crossing facilities, which will all eventually link to this route.”
The Sustrans website – www.sustrans.org.uk – has a free online map service to discover how to get around everyday on foot or by bike. Search for local or national routes, plot journeys, or find what the local area has to offer from schools, supermarkets and local landmarks to car clubs, bus stops and bike shops.
