Footbridge that 'connects city' could be replaced

13 hours ago

Holly Rattley,Wiltshireand

Nick Jewers,Salisbury

News image — National Highways previously said there would be no replacement for the current footbridge following its demolition

BBC A footbridge crossing over a highway with multiple cars pictured on the road, with houses to the right of it and a blue sky in the background. — National Highways previously said there would be no replacement for the current footbridge following its demolition

A replacement footbridge could be built over a major road following a backlash against plans to demolish it.

National Highways previously said it would tear down the crossing over the A36, which connects Wordsworth Road with Wyndham Road in Salisbury, Wiltshire, due to safety concerns.

But the authority has now said it will monitor usage of the route and residents have until 1 June to state in a public consultation whether they support a new "like-for-like" footbridge.

Salisbury City Council councillor Sharon Rideout said the bridge "connects" the city, while National Highways said "alternative proposals" were being discussed to "identify the safest option".

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A woman with long light brown hair, glasses positioned up on her head and a blue spotted scarf wrapped around her neck smiling and standing in front of the blurred background of a footbridge over a highway. — Rideout said they need "as many people as possible" to "say yes" to the consultation

The replacement would be similar in size and incline to the existing bridge, but slightly higher to improve road clearance.

Rideout urged "as many people as possible" to take part in the consultation.

Resident Michelle Williams said she was "really relieved" to hear the proposal.

"It's been important to me for decades. I went to school over the bridge, and now I walk into town over it, and it's just important to encourage people to get out of their cars," she added.

A woman with short grey hair, smiling, wearing glasses, a purple and white scarf and a denim jacket standing in front of an out-of-focus footbridge and road with vehicles in the distance. — Helen, who has lived in the city for 25 years, said the bridge is "absolutely" needed

Helen, who has lived in Salisbury for 25 years, said the bridge is absolutely needed.

"We cross it at least twice a day so having to do a massive detour would have a huge impact.

"The other worry is if there is no bridge here, teenagers will just run the road - they won't take the detour," she added.

Chris Hilldrup, National Highways route manager, confirmed plans to "construct an upgraded footbridge" on nearby Victoria Road.

"We're considering all options at the Wyndham Road site, and currently monitoring usage of the bridge to help inform our decision-making around a potential replacement.

"We have held public information events to take on board the thoughts and needs of the local community," he added.