New £4m cycle bridge in the works for Shoreham

A brand new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists will be installed on Shoreham High Street, due to open in three years.

Replacing the current bridge, now over 80 years old, the contract for the new bridge is worth up to £4 million and is being funding by West Sussex County Council and Sustrans – part of the sustainable tranpsort charity’s Connect2 project, developing cycling and walking routes around the UK.

Local firm Osborne, a family-owned construction, civil engineering and property services company, was awarded the contract, due for completion in 2013.

“The existing footbridge was built in the 1920s and is coming to the end of its life,” said Lionel Barnard, County Council Deputy Leader. “The new footbridge will secure the link between Shoreham Beach and Shoreham town centre for many years to come, providing a sustainable harbour crossing for both pedestrians and cyclists.”

Sustrans regional director Simon Pratt said: “The link across the harbour is an immensely popular route in Shoreham. We are delighted to be able to ensure that future generations will be able to get safely from the town centre to the beach. We are looking forward to working with local residents as we begin to deliver the new bridge.”

Tommy Chambers, heading up Osborne’s civil engineering team, added: “This is a project that needs great care and a sensitive approach because of the new bridge’s location, but we have experience of similar projects and working closely with local partners, and are looking forward to delivering such an important project for both the local community and users of Sustrans routes from further afield.”

Lionel Barnard added: “We will be working closely with Osborne over the coming months on the design of the new bridge to find ways to minimise disruption to the local community during construction.”