Disused Somerset bridge could form part of new 'active travel route'
The bridge in Shepton Mallet crosses the disused Cheddar Valley railway line, which closed in 1963
A disused Somerset bridge - which has become a fly tipping hotspot - could form part of a new 'active travel route' for walkers and cyclists.
The bridge in Shepton Mallet crosses the disused Cheddar Valley railway line, which closed in 1963.
It'll form part of a 32-mile link between Clevedon Pier and Shepton Mallet.
The plans are thanks to a partnership between cycling and walking charity Greenways and Cycleroutes Ltd and National Highways, the custodian of the UK’s Historical Railways Estate.
Since taking over custodianship of the structure in 2013, National Highways say the site has been cleared up, and works to the bridge have been carried out to make sure it's safe.
They've also installed a bat “hotel” beside one of the bridge’s spans.
Greenways and Cycleroutes have been working with the former Mendip Council, now Somerset Council, to construct a number of missing sections along the planned 32 mile greenway and active travel route from Clevedon Pier to Shepton Mallet.
Hélène Rossiter, Head of the Historical Railways Estate at National Highways, said: “We are really excited about Greenways and Cycleroutes aspirations for this site and are working closely with them to support their plans for another one of our structures to connect with the popular Strawberry Line.
“We look after more than 3,100 historical railway structures across the UK and this is a great opportunity to bring one of them back into use. We know that there is strong community support for repurposing Stump Cross Bridge and we’ve taken this on board as part of our plans.
“As ever there are challenges to overcome but by working together we can maximise our chances of success.”
A spokesperson for Greenways and Cycleroutes said: “We are delighted to be working with National Highways to link the routes that we have negotiated either side of this busy road to create a memorable greenway and wheelchair friendly route.”
A spokesperson for the Strawberry Line Society said: “We are delighted by the National Highways Historic Railways Estate’s (HRE) constructive stance on repurposing the old bridge over the trackbed at Ridge Road for active travel. We are hopeful that a safe passage under this heavily trafficked road can be achieved. In recent years, Ridge Road has become a busy 'bypass' to Shepton Mallet, and therefore increasingly dangerous to cross. We look forward to working with HRE to provide the best possible route past Ridge Road for vulnerable path users.”
David Carter, Service Director, Infrastructure and Transport, at Somerset Council, said: “We are pleased to see the partnership working between National Highways and Greenways delivering this important piece of infrastructure to bring a historic structure back into public service.”
National Highways say they are working closely with Natural England on the project, as well as the Local Planning Authority to make sure the environment isn't disrupted.
This autumn, National Highways celebrates a decade of maintaining safety on the Historical Railways Estate - which is owned by the Department for Transport.
The estate consists of over 3,100 former railway structures, including tunnels, viaducts and bridges – spanning the three nations of England, Wales and Scotland.
For more information on National Highways' work with the country's Historical Railways Estate, you can find out more on their website.
You can also find out more about the project here.