Works begin on Manton Lane footbridge in Bedford

Works have begun to build a new footbridge over Manton Lane, to help reduce congestion.

This new bridge is part of the Transporting Bedford works, which have already included a stretch of Manton Lane being widened with new traffic signals.

Construction work on the foundations of the new bridge has already started, with the bridge expected to be complete and open by the end of the year.

Preparation works to move utilities on Clapham Road are also happening in autumn ahead of major works starting in the new year to help ease congestion in this area.

Expect to see part-time signals on the Paula Radcliffe Way / Great Ouse Way roundabout; full-time traffic signals at the Manton Lane / Clapham Road roundabout which will be reconstructed; and a widening of Clapham Road.

Cllr Charles Royden, portfolio holder for transport, said: “There are a lot of works happening on junctions across our town as part of the Transporting Bedford project to ease congestion, improve road safety, and provide a boost to our local economy.

“The former bridge was demolished over a decade ago, and we have seen the impact that this has had on traffic in the area. Working with the Harpur Trust, works have begun to reinstate this footbridge, make our roads safer for all users, and help tackle congestion.”

Hilary Chipping, chief executive at SEMLEP added “Connectivity shapes our opportunity which is why we are proud to be supporting the Transporting Bedford project.

“This new bridge will enable greater pedestrian movement, making the town a better place to live, work and visit. We look forward to watching this project progress.”

Transporting Bedford is an £18million project to tackle congestion hotspots in Bedford, funded by both Bedford Borough Council and £15.5million funding from the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), through the Local Growth Fund.