New footbridge to reunite Warwickshire communities
Two Warwickshire communities will soon be reunited thanks to a new footbridge over the busy A46 near Coventry.
The 128 tonne, 35.4 metre concrete bridge being safely removed in April.
In April Highways England removed the old 128-tonne Glasshouse Wood footbridge, which links Kenilworth with Stoneleigh and Ashow, to make way for a newer, lighter model.
Plans are now under way to swing the new 35.4 metre prefabricated bridge into place over the first weekend in August.
Just like its predecessor the new footbridge has step-free access, making it easy for people with prams and wheelchairs to safely cross the A46.
Highways England project manager, Dave Lynch, said:
Weighing in at 21.3 tonnes, the new steel footbridge has a longer lifespan and needs less maintenance than the concrete bridge it replaces.
Installing this footbridge, just off Glasshouse Lane, means pedestrians will continue to have a safe way to cross the A46 for years to come.
To safely install the new bridge, the A46 will be closed between the junction with the A452 and Stoneleigh Road from 6am on Saturday 1 August to 6am on Monday 3 August.
Diversion routes, agreed with the local authority, will be fully signed during the closures.
All planned roadworks may be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
For more information about the new footbridge and to keep up to date with future works along the A46, subscribe to Highways England’s mailing list by emailing noreplyA46WMids@highwaysengland.co.uk.
For live traffic updates follow the @HighwaysWMIDS Twitter feed. The Highways England 24/7 customer contact centre team can also provide up-to-the minute information on 0300 123 5000.
Further information
To minimise disruption for motorists, the date for the footbridge installation has been carefully chosen to avoid clashing with roadworks on the M42.
Drainage work on the A46 Warwick Bypass, between Leek Wootton Roundabout and Festival Island, continues.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.