Replacing an existing footbridge with a wider, three-metre bridge and new foundations to improve access.

Official description

The existing 1.7-metre-wide Scotland Bridge Road Footbridge has reached the end of its maintainable life, and routine maintenance is no longer a viable long-term option to ensure public safety. Replacement is urgently required to prevent closure of this vital pedestrian link, which is heavily relied upon by local schools, residents, and businesses. As part of this project, we will be replacing the current 1.7m wide path with a 3 wide footbridge. To meet Surreys commitment for accessibility and active travel, on all projects, we must consider how we can improve routes for community links. The current 1.7m wide path is too narrow for shared use which means disabled access, cyclist and prams are frequently required to stop or give way. Widening the footbridge to a 3m will greatly improve this situation and provide a safer environment for all users. There are five oak trees located near the existing structure. The project team has carefully evaluated these trees to minimise ecological impact. Unfortunately, the root systems of two trees adjacent to the structure (designated T2 and T3 on WT180068-ATRL-SBR-XX-SK-CB-00002) restrict the required new foundations of the footbridge. Even a like-for-like replacement matching the existing footprint would require larger foundations to meet modern design standards. A specialised root survey confirmed that tree roots are too close to the construction area, and the necessary excavation and foundation works will cause too much damage for the trees to be retained. So removal of T2 (Oak) and T3 (Oak) are required under the footbridge replacement scheme. The project team explored multiple design alternatives to avoid tree removal. The proposed scheme represents the most balanced approach. Alternative bridge alignments were considered but ultimately discounted, as they would have resulted in greater ecological disruption, additional land acquisition and negative impact on the canal and surrounding habitat.