Listed building consent has been granted to install a new raised walkway on Bathampton Bridge.
Bathampton Bridge | Image © Google Street View / Google 2023
The Grade II listed structure crosses the Kennet & Avon Canal and dates from 1805.
However, there is currently only one raised pavement on the west side of the hump-backed bridge. The other side has a walkway in the road space, separated only by a white line.
Bath & North East Somerset Council will now be putting in a raised footpath on the east side. The new pavement will have a stone kerb and safety guarding.
A report prepared by architects for the council said the village school and church are accessed via the bridge and even though there is a raised path on the Bath portal (west side), most pedestrians prefer to walk on the east because there are better lines of sight to oncoming traffic.
It is also more convenient for the school and church, and crossing the road north of the bridge is dangerous so people prefer to cross by King Edward’s School playing fields.
The report said that the narrowing of the road will result in a more single-file approach by traffic crossing the bridge.
Further detailed safety measures for the bridge are to be considered “in due course” by the council.
