Work to start on the new Meadow Lane footbridge

Published: 18 April 2019

With over 18 million vehicles using the road each year, the A52 Wyvern Transport Improvement Scheme is a key infrastructure project for our city.  A major part of the scheme is the replacement of the foot and cycle bridge which links the residential area of Chaddesden to the Wyvern and Pride Park area.

The new bridge will be a huge improvement to walking and cycling facilities in the area, creating a fully accessible link between residential and commercial areas for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair, mobility scooter and pushchair users.

Earlier this month, Council Cabinet gave the go-ahead for work on the footbridge to begin; a big step forward for the scheme. Work will now begin to demolish the bridge, and rebuild.

The new bridge will be modernised, and address a number of issues identified with the current bridge, including accessibility, lighting and slip hazards.  Ramped approaches, a four metre wide deck and resin anti-slip surface are just a few of the new features.

The bridge will feature handrail and decorative arch lighting, which has been specially designed to improve safety for bridge users while having minimal impact on properties nearby.  A key improvement is that the bridge will span Wyvern Way meaning access can be gained into the Wyvern or Pride Park, without the need to cross Wyvern Way.

New trees and shrubs will also be planted when the footings for the bridge are complete, and 30,000 additional trees will be planted along the A52 in the Waterford Drive area in order to encourage local wildlife and improve biodiversity in the local area. This is in partnership with Trees for Cities.

In order to construct the new bridge, the current footbridge will be closed from Monday 29th April, with demolition of the bridge due to take place over the weekend of Friday 17th May.

To allow this work to take place as quickly as possible, a full road closure will be in place on the A52 from Pentagon Island to Raynesway junction in both directions between 8.00pm on Friday 17th May to 6.00am on Monday 20th May.

In order to minimise disruption to road users, demolition work will take place around the clock. All local residents and businesses affected will be receiving a letter detailing what to expect while the work takes place.

During the closure, pedestrians will be able to use the Highfield Lane footbridge, where diversions will be in place along Chequers Road and Wyvernside. A temporary pedestrian crossing will also be installed outside Pizza Hut to assist crossing to the Wyvern and Stanier Way Business Park.

Whilst match day parking capacity has not been affected, we are working closely with the football club to assess impact and mitigate any issues for the game on 5th May 2019.

It is anticipated that the new footbridge will open next Spring, with the completion of the wider A52 Transport Improvement Scheme by Summer 2020.

Don McLure, Strategic Director for Corporate Resources said:

This is a really important step forward for the scheme as a whole, which will bring significant benefits to a congested part of Derby’s road network, offering improved access to the city, improved air quality and supporting wider economic growth. The new bridge will give improved accessibility to and from The Wyvern, offering much needed enhanced walking and cycling facilities. At Council Cabinet on 10th April, Cabinet approved a revised project budget of £40.3m, plus a £2.9m contingency risk budget. This includes construction costs, projected staffing and consultancy costs, land acquisition and utility diversion estimates. There is a shared confidence between the Council and Galliford Try that the work will be completed within this revised project budget and timescale.

Read the full Cabinet Report online.

Read a list of FAQs relating to the bridge closure and demolition.

Transport