Bath and North East Somerset Council has announced when a new footbridge in Keynsham should be completed. The footbridge over the weir in Keynsham Park has been closed since October 2019 but new steps have been made towards the re-opening of the key route.
It was closed in 2019 after an inspection found it was unsafe for public use due to what the council described as "deterioration of the timber glulam beams forming the superstructure". Years later it remains closed and frustration has grown among locals about the lack of progress made since then.
Further investigations in 2020 discovered that the bridge was beyond repair and the most efficient way forward was to install a new bridge. £750,000 was set aside for the project from the 2022/23 budget.
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The council has now submitted a planning application for the demolition of the existing bridge in the park with the aim of starting work on site this autumn. A further planning application will be made to replace the bridge with a new superstructure and is hoped to be completed by spring 2023 to re-establish a route for pedestrians across the river.
Residents living in Keynsham lost patience with the council and the bridge still remains closed after nearly three years. This time last year we spoke to people who felt they were "dragging their feet" with the project, with claims they had been forced to use unsafe alternative routes.
However, the latest announcement gives a glimmer of hope. The council has acknowledged the frustration of people living in the area and thanked them for their patience.
Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet assistant for neighbourhood services, said: “I am pleased that work should soon be starting on demolishing the unsafe bridge in advance of its replacement being installed next spring, subject to the necessary planning approvals.
"We know that the diversion route for pedestrians while the bridge has been closed has been frustrating and we thank residents for their patience while we worked to find the best solution.
“Keynsham Park is a much-loved and well-used asset to the community and we are fortunate to have two play parks set amongst beautiful landscaping. The new bridge will once again provide a link between the green spaces and make travelling on foot through the park more convenient for everyone.”
The play park nearest to the bridge will be closed during the works to ensure the safety of the public during demolition. Residents will be notified of the exact dates ahead of the work being carried out.
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