AUTHORITIES have joined forces to replace a failing bridge to provide a smooth and safe path for cyclists and pedestrians for decades to come.

The old bridge over the well-used Nailsworth-Dudbridge-Stroud path had fallen into disrepair and faced imminent closure because it was a safety risk.

Investigations suggested that the Newman Hender bridge at Inchbrook has no recorded owner, so Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire County Council decided action was needed or it would be closed. 

GCC engineers developed a design that retains the look and feel of the old Victorian bridge while installing a fibreglass reinforced plastic deck which will last for many years.

The scheme presented many challenges including repairing a privately-owned wall which was in danger of collapse, while keeping access open to nearby homes and for users of the path on a temporary diversion.

The works are part of both councils’ commitment to upgrade the path and make it easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians to use.

Almost three years ago, two lengthy sections of the trail were resurfaced with a recycled tyre product, and more recently a short section at Woodchester has been widened and the bridge between Birds Crossing and Paul’s Rise has been repaired by the addition of new bearer beams, deck and handrails.

Ramps have been installed and widened north of Woodchester too, while work has been recently finished to improve access on and off the trail at Dunkirk Mill.

GCC contractors did the work, part or fully funded by SDC, and the rubber crumb surfacing work was also completed in conjunction with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Wild Towns project and Stroud Valleys Project.

SDC environment community chair Chloe Turner said: “To invest in cycling and walking initiatives throughout the district contributes to the aims of the Council Plan and CN2030 agenda. We are committed to enabling active travel and this is a great example of that.”

GCC member for Nailsworth and SDC chair Steve Robinson said: “This is a well-loved and well-used path that is valued greatly by the community.

"I am really pleased to see joint working between GCC and SDC to ensure the bridge was replaced and the track improved.”