Video shows transportation of 41-tonne A27 Chichester footbridge

DRIVERS will have spotted the new footbridge that appeared above the A27 close to the Whyke roundabout in June.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jul 2015, 12:03 BST

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The new Chichester footbridge prior to transportation. Picture supplied by Highways EnglandThe new Chichester footbridge prior to transportation. Picture supplied by Highways England
The new Chichester footbridge prior to transportation. Picture supplied by Highways England

Today (July 13), Highways England has released time-lapse footage showing the moment the new bridge was lowered into position.

“This new footbridge will provide pedestrians with a safe way to cross the busy A27,” said Peter Phillips, Highways England asset manager.

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He said it would link communities south of the A27 with Chichester city centre, helping improve access to facilities south of the A27.

“It will also be a key link to and from the new Chichester Free School,” he said.

“After months of planning the bridge has been successfully lifted into place. Installing the bridge deck is one of the final milestones, and we’re looking forward to opening the footbridge soon.”

The bridge comes at a cost of £3.22m and was installed overnight last month. The installation followed months of preparation and it is to be opened ‘in the coming weeks’, according to Highways England, which said it would a safe crossing for walkers, cyclists, residents and school children.

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The bridge took 26 weeks to build with up to 14 people per day working on it in the factory.

Meanwhile, the team in Chichester were busy creating the supports for the bridge and the access to the new ramps, which will be installed over the next couple of weeks.

Ian Spellacey, highways services director at Balfour Beatty, said he was ‘proud’ to deliver a footbridge connecting communities.

The bridge, which weighs 41 tonnes and is 41 metres long, was transported from the manufacturer in Cardiff to Chichester on June 19.

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It was escorted by four police vehicles during its journey to Chichester.

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Related topics:A27Highways EnglandFacebook