Site preparation work on a major infrastructure initiative in Peterborough will get under way today (Monday 11 May).
The initial phase of work on Cygnet Bridge, the new £8.3million cycle and pedestrian bridge over the River Nene, is starting today, with the project expected to take around 12 months to complete.
Once constructed, Cygnet Bridge will provide a more direct, pedestrian and cyclist friendly route between the residential developments, businesses and football stadium on the south of the river to the city centre and North Embankment, home to the Key Theatre, ARU Peterborough’s University Campus and the proposed site of the new leisure development.
The project is jointly funded by the Combined Authority, The Towns Fund and Peterborough City Council, with the bridge being constructed by M Group, the council's highways partner. M Group has successfully delivered several major projects for the authority, most recently the public realm improvements on Lincoln Road.
The initial work will see a compound, office and welfare facilities set up on site. Main construction works will commence in the following weeks with footway closures in place on the Embankment from Monday 18 May. The footways will be closed for the duration of the works with signed diversions on site.
Councillor Angus Ellis, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “I am absolutely delighted that preliminary construction on Cygnet Bridge is starting and look forward to seeing this exciting project progress. The bridge will play a key role in creating a more connected and walkable city, improving access across the Embankment.
“The compound and hoardings are going up this week and over time, residents and visitors will see more cranes on the skyline. The new bridge will create an important new sustainable link across the river linking the Fletton Quays site to the Embankment and we would like to thank residents and visitors in advance for their patience during the construction.”
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow said: “This is another step in the right direction for regenerating Peterborough. The city has been crying out for a walking and cycling bridge over the Nene to connect the Embankment and city centre with the south of the river, including the development around Fletton Quays.
“Peterborough's growth depends on infrastructure like this. When we better connect places south of the river like Fletton Quays to the city centre, ARU Peterborough, and the Embankment, we create the conditions for businesses to invest and for people to live, work, and enjoy the city.”
John Birkenhead, Business Director for M Group, said: “We are proud to have been chosen to deliver this iconic bridge for the people of Peterborough, providing a new route into the city from Fletton Quays and enabling new walking and cycling routes within Peterborough."
As part of planning for the works, the council has been in regular contact with the organisers of major events that traditionally take place on the Embankment, including the Peterborough Beer Festival, Mart Fair and Great Eastern Run. These events will still go ahead as planned and will not be adversely affected by the works.
The Bridge is one of eight projects across Peterborough, being delivered as part of the government’s Towns Fund programme, which supports economic growth and regeneration in towns across the country.
The total project budget is estimated to be £8.3 million. The Combined Authority has contributed £5.4 million, The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has pledged £2 million, and the remainder will come from the council's own redevelopment budget.
To find out more about Cygnet Bridge, visit the councils website: River Nene Pedestrian Bridge (Cygnet Bridge) | Peterborough City Council