FUNDING has yet to be found to build a bridge over the River Avon from Keynsham to Hanham – a year after the scheme won planning approval.
The proposed bridge would allow pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and horse riders to cross the river, which forms the border between Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
It is a shared project between the two district councils, which both granted planning permission for the bridge last summer.
At the time, B&NES Council told the Voice that a potential timescale for construction was still to be confirmed because funding to deliver the scheme had not been secured.
But the council added that, by having a detailed design and planning consent, it would be able to progress funding bids and grant applications.
However, little significant progress appears to have been made since.
Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable transport on Bath & North East Somerset Council, recently told the Voice: “Planning permission for the bridge was obtained on both the South Gloucestershire and B&NES side last year.
“The council continues to explore funding options to progress it to construction. At present no specific external grant source has been identified.”
The bridge, spanning the river from a location near Durley Lane in Keynsham to south of the Chequers Inn at Hanham, would be 40 metres long and up to 4.3 metres wide, with a rubber-tiled surface suited for horses.
It has been designed by Buro Happold, the lead consultant, and Moxon Architects.
For the planning stage, funding contributions were made by the West of England Combined Authority as well as Taylor Wimpey, as part of its development of the Somerdale estate.
The bridge is part of the WaterSpace Connected programme, which aims to enhance the River Avon corridor between Bath and Bristol for people and nature.
The proposal attracted numerous comments of support from members of the public on both sides of the river during the planning stage, with supporters welcoming the fact that it would promote active travel in a safe way while connecting to wider routes.
Pictured, how the bridge could look from the Keynsham side Image: Moxon Architects/Buro Happold
Wait goes on for Keynsham-Hanham river bridge
