A planning application for a new bridge over the River Avon between Keynsham and Hanham has been made.
How the new bridge could look | Image © Moxon Architects / Buro Happold
It is part of the WaterSpace Connected project aimed at enhancing the river corridor between Bath and Bristol.
The bridge will cross the Avon near Durley Lane and be for pedestrians, cycle and horses.
It has been part of strategic thinking at both regional and local levels for a long time.
The river forms the border between South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset.
Both Bath & North East Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council are sharing jurisdiction over the project, with the planning application appearing on both websites.
Buro Happold and Moxon Architects won the commission to design the bridge which will span 40 metres in length and be between about nine and 12 metres above ground at varying points.
Taylor Wimpey is contributing towards the cost as part of its development of the old Cadbury’s site at Somerdale for housing.
Some comments of support have already been posted on the South Gloucestershire planning portal.
They include one from a Somerdale resident who says: “The proposed bridge will provide well-needed access to the Bristol/Bath Path for green commuters (cyclists and pedestrians) as well as promoting healthy activities such as walking and cycling via access to the countryside for residents of both South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset.
“There should also be benefit to the economies of both areas, improving access to businesses on both sides of the river.
“The proposed bridge takes the local environment and geography into consideration, providing a robust and submersible solution noting it is sited on a floodplain.
“It is also an architecturally pleasing design in keeping with the industrial heritage of the area.”
