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A45 Northampton - Blacky More to Wootton Footbridge Public Consultation
A45 Northampton - Blacky More to Wootton Footbridge Public Consultation
Introduction
The Highways Agency completed a public consultation exercise in July 2008 into the possible provision of a footbridge across the A45 at Northampton between Blacky More and Wootton. This bridge would be for use by pedestrians, cyclists and those with limited mobility.
Exhibitions were held locally at which representatives of the Highways Agency and their consulting engineers, Carillion-URS, were present to answer questions about the proposals.
The Need for the Bridge
When this section of the A45 (formally A508) was constructed, some footpaths were severed by the new road. The only way for pedestrians to cross the dual carriageway now is to either walk across the road itself or to divert to the closest bridge.
Due to the increasing volume of traffic using the A45, the Highways Agency has been asked to look at designs for a bridge where pedestrians, cyclists and those whose mobility is impaired could cross the dual carriageway safely.
The Proposed Scheme
A new bridge would be provided across the A45 approximately 1 mile south of the Queen Eleanor Roundabout at a point between the London Road on slip road and Stratford Drive.
The bridge would be designed with steps on both sides for use by pedestrians and ramps for cyclists and those with limited mobility.
There is a bridleway that terminates on the west side of the A45 near the proposed new bridge but it would not be practicable to provide a bridge which would also be suitable for horseriders.
Environmental Considerations
The bridge would be designed to have the minimum adverse effect on the locality and there would be trees planted to reduce the visual impact of the structure. However, it would not be possible to entirely screen the bridge from nearby properties. The bridge would also be lit.
Provisional Programme
Many comments and representations were received during the public consultation period which the Highways Agency and Carillion-URS have taken into consideration when deciding possible options including whether there is sufficient demand for the proposed bridge to warrant the expense of providing the structure.
The Public Consultation Report was published on 26 November 2008 and is available to view in the Publications section at the top of this page.
Contact
Area 8 Scheme Administrator
Highways Agency
Woodlands
Manton Lane
BEDFORD
MK41 7LW
email: area8@highways.gsi.gov.uk
