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New Stafford bridge will be missing link

18 Jun 2014 Stafford National Cycle Network bridge
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A new cycle bridge is to be built in Stafford to connect two parts of the town – and fill a gap in the National Cycle Network.

The £1.6m bridge will cross the River Sow between Baswich and Tixall Road, saving a lengthy detour along a busy, winding and narrow road. Staffordshire County Council say it will encourage more people to cycle to school or to work, and open up new routes for leisure rides for the whole family.

It will also be another step towards filling the longest gap in National Cycle Network route 5. The route, which runs from Reading to Holyhead, has been incomplete between Lichfield and Stafford for many years. The bridge will tackle one of the last physical obstacles to completing it, while local volunteers work on the section further south.

Construction on the new bridge is expected to be complete by December. The bridge will be lit with motion-sensitive lighting. Staffordshire County Council says that, at a recent consultation event, 97% of people supported the proposal.

Bridge-map-for-web

As the map demonstrates, the new bridge will also connect with the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal towpath, as well as a number of existing cycle routes in the area.

Mark Winnington, from Staffordshire County Council, said:

“The new cycle bridge and walkway will provide an impressive traffic-free link between Baswich and the Tixall Road which will really improve connections in the town. By doing so, we are confident far more people will take up cycling or walking both as a travel option and leisure activity.”
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