Nottingham’s new bridge will vastly improve accessibility across the city

Work to connect the Nottingham’s cycle network with the city centre has progressed further, with plans beginning on a new pedestrian and cycle bridge.

The new footpath and cycleway will add to the City Council Big Track cycle network, linking Lenton and the Boots site directly with Nottingham Science Park and University Boulevard. This also offers access to tram and bus services, via a 50m bridge over the Midland Mainline.

Access to the University of Nottingham and the Queen’s Medical Centre will be enhanced as a result of the additional constructions.

Councillor Dave Liversidge, Portfolio Holder for Transport, said: “The Boots site is part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone and is an important development site for the city. Improved pedestrian and cycle links are key to unlocking its full potential to ensure the site is well connected to our existing transport network, while helping reduce impact on local traffic.

“The Midland Mainline railway is a significant barrier between the campus and the other Enterprise Zone sites – Nottingham Science Park and the Medi-Park. This new bridge will better connect the sites, enabling access for pedestrians and cyclists and providing wider options for travel by providing a link to the bus and tram network on University Boulevard, where it will also join up with the Western Cycle Corridor.

“Providing greater options for travel is part of our plan to keep Nottingham moving, making it easier for people to cycle and use public transport; reducing congestion on our roads.”

The bridge will be reached by a footpath and cycleway off University Boulevard. After crossing the mainline, the path will follow around the Boots site and connect with Thane Road and the Beeston canal.

Construction firm, Eurovia, has been awarded the contract to build the bridge, ramps and associated paths, all of which will be well lit.

Built with treated steel, the bridge has reduced future maintenance costs and will be lifted into place over one night during 2018; minimising disruption to the mainline.

Director of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone at Boots, Mark Chivers, said: “Our ambition has always been to improve access to the site and for the Boots Enterprise Zone to feel like a connected part of Nottingham. We’re making good progress building a new public highway. This new bridge will benefit this vision and create a new access route for our colleagues travelling to work on the tram.”