People in Stroud are being invited to view plans for a new canal bridge at Merrywalks.

  Gloucestershire County Council is proposing to build the bridge on the A46 at the Merrywalks double mini roundabout junction as part of the restoration of the Cotswold Canal.

  The project is seen as a key gateway site between the canal and Stroud town centre. It will cross the line of the old canal and will also include widening Bath Road to accommodate any future improvements to the Merrywalks junction, such as a major roundabout.

  The plans will be on display at the Stroud Subscription Rooms on Thursday 19th November from 1 pm – 7.30 pm. The exhibition will also show the temporary traffic arrangements that will be introduced to try and minimise the impact on traffic flow while the work is taking place and county council staff will be on hand to answer any questions.

  Cllr Stan Waddington, Cabinet Member for Environment said: "Gloucestershire County Council is fully committed to the canal restoration project, and the Merrywalks improvements are part of this overall scheme.

  “The road works, when completed, will improve the flow of traffic at the Merrwalks junction as well as restoring Wallbridge. The bridge will be a key gateway into Stroud making a strong visual impact on everybody approaching from the A46”.

  Work on the new bridge is scheduled to begin in March 2010 and be completed in February 2011. The diversion will be in operation from early May to mid November 2010