News / Transport
Cycle bridge scrapped as costs spiral
Plans for a £3.2 million pedestrian and cycle bridge across the New Cut have been scrapped after the estimated cost more than doubled.
Camden Road Bridge would have crossed the Avon between Coronation Road and Cumberland Road at Camden Road, easing congestion between Southville and the city centre.
It would have been built roughly between Vauxhall and Gaol Ferry bridges – both pinch points for commuters crossing the river – but costs have risen to £7 million.
The council said the bridge, which would have been paid for using a Government grant for cycling infrastructure, could be redeveloped at a later stage.
In the meantime it is calling for ideas on how to best spend the reserved cash from the Cycle City Ambition Fund on infrastructure elsewhere.
An online map has been set up to show the city council’s plans and aspirations for new infrastructure and officers want people to contribute new ideas in a survey.
George Ferguson, who is due to consider how to spend the money at a cabinet meeting next week, said: “As it stands, there are compelling reasons to bank the preparatory work on Camden Road bridge and put the funding where we get better value and more bang for our bucks.”
He added: “The costs of all major projects – especially ones drawn up quickly to meet tight government funding deadlines – do change and it’s only responsible to keep a firm handle on this.”
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