Story Contacting, on behalf of Network Rail, have successfully delivered a new bridleway bridge in Biggleswade, providing a safer and more accessible way for pedestrians, cyclists and horses to cross over the East Coast Main Line.
The project involved installing a 40 metre span bridge, with ramps over 150 metres at either side, and over 1.5km of bridleway to eliminate the need for the public to use the level crossing to pass the four railway tracks which carry over 300 trains a day at speeds of up to 125mph.
The new bridge also serves as a key part of Biggleswade’s Green Wheel, a walking and cycling route around the outskirts of the town, which provides users with better quality experiences to explore local landscape, heritage and wildlife.
On Tuesday the ribbon was cut to mark the official opening, with attendance from Paul Mason, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Chief Officer for Infrastructure Delivery; Councillor Mark Foster, Mayor of Biggleswade Town Council; and Louise Cox, Head of Route Safety, Health and Environment for Network Rail, alongside the project teams from both Network Rail and Story Contracting.
Councillor. Hayley Whitaker, Central Bedfordshire’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Families Education and Children said: “The new bridge is a welcome addition to the town and a key element of the ‘Biggleswade Green Wheel’, that connects the town with its green spaces and making it safer for people to get outside and enjoy the countryside.”
Louise Cox, Head of Route Safety, Health, and Environment for Network Rail said: “We’re thrilled to see this new bridleway bridge open which will provide a safe route across the busy East Coast Main Line for local people. At Network Rail, keeping people safe on and around the railway is at the heart of everything we do, and it has been great to work with local stakeholders to deliver this project which will meet our values.”
