Spring opening still expected for new footbridge

Devon County Council says it’s still expecting the construction of a new footbridge in Sidmouth to be completed in the Spring, despite recent storms.

Work is progressing well on the scheme to develop the structure to replace Alma Bridge, with the cliff re-profiling and stabilisation work having been completed. The piled foundations for the bridge abutment, columns and river training wall have also been finished by contractor MacPlant Construction Ltd.

The recent storm events, most notably Storm Dennis have caused delays. Storm Dennis coincided with high river levels and high spring tides, resulting in the temporary cofferdam overtopping.

The contractor demobilised its working area prior to overtopping but had to stand down its work until conditions improved.

The temporary bridge across the River Sid being used by MacPlant has helped minimise delays due to the weather and MacPlant is working hard to minimise the impact on the scheme schedule. It is anticipated that the Spring completion will still be achieved subject to further weather events.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for bridges and County Councillor for Sidmouth, said: “The contractor has faced some really challenging conditions with the recent storms, but they have managed extremely well. Although the weather means there are never any guarantees, we’re still anticipating the project can be completed in the Spring.”

Work is now well underway on the construction of the concrete bridge abutment and its masonry facing.

The steelwork for the bridge and ramps is being prepared off-site, and is due to be delivered at the end of March.

When these have been installed, the contractor will move its compound from The Ham to a temporary compound on The Esplanade.

Once the new bridge is open to the public, work will then progress with the demolition of the existing Alma Bridge.

More information can be found on the scheme website https://www.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/traffic-information/roadworks/construction-of-new-bridge-to-replace-alma-bridge-in-sidmouth/