A damaged footbridge is set to be replaced with a brand-new structure – but it won’t be until 2026.
The bridge, which forms part of the Sandon and Burston Public Footpath 36 and the popular Two Saints Way walking route, was dislodged into the River Trent and closed for public safety in the Autumn of 2023.
County council engineers removed the damaged bridge in May. After detailed inspections, it was decided that repairing the existing structure would not be cost-effective. Instead, a replacement bridge is planned.
A longer-lasting design
The new bridge will be designed to be more accessible and built to last. Funding has already been secured, and proposals are currently with the Environment Agency for approval. Once agreed, the bridge can be ordered with installation expected next year.
In the meantime, a temporary bridge will be installed to reopen the footpath by the end of this year, subject to permission from the Environment Agency and suitable weather conditions. Until then, Footpath 36 between the River Trent and Burston Lane will remain closed.
Council statement
Hayley Coles, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said:
“We remain fully committed to getting a bridge back in place and the footpath safely reopened by the end of the year. Although our initial hope was to repair the existing bridge, closer inspection revealed that this would not be cost-effective or long-lasting.
“The great news is that we already have the funding secured for a brand-new, bigger, and more accessible bridge that will serve the community for many years to come. Careful planning and design work are essential to ensure the new bridge is of the highest quality, which will take some time.
“Meanwhile, we’re putting in a temporary bridge so that walkers can enjoy the footpath again as soon as possible. I’d like to thank residents and walkers for their ongoing patience and understanding, and I’d urge everyone to respect the closure signs and barriers in place – they are there to keep you safe.”
