Call for new bridge at danger spot in Winchester

The 18th century bridge is the entry point into the city from the east but is a hazard for pedestrians in busy traffic.

Former city councillor Ian Tait raised the issue at the latest meeting of the city council Cabinet.

He is calling for a new pedestrian footbridge next to the current structure to protect people from the traffic.

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Mr Tait told the meeting: "As someone who tries to walk everywhere, I use the route over the Itchen Bridge many times a week and what I regularly observe is the clear concern that many pedestrians have about their safety when crossing. Many people report their experiences of actual or near misses with vehicle wing mirrors and also some aggressive behaviour from motorists when pedestrians have stepped into the road.

"I’ve measured the current pavement and its only 1.08m wide, just enough for a standard scooter or double buggy but people coming the other way must either wait to cross or step into the road.

"The bridge is a wonderful structure and there are excellent views from it looking down the Weirs but only if you have the opportunity to stop. Although the current bridge, built in 1813 (before cars) is grade 1 listed building it must be remembered that first and foremost it’s a bridge. If we are to encourage more people to get out of their cars then consideration of pedestrians is absolutely essential."

He said the bridge is a pinchpoint that discourages elderly people from Chesil Lodge and Watersmeet from walking into the city. It also deters people wanting to walk to the new leisure centre and athletic track at Bar End."

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Mr Tait added: "Some years ago, Richard Jobson, director at Design Engine did a lot of work on this very issue and Richard prepared some excellent designs for a footbridge 1.5m wide, to run alongside the existing structure. Heyne Tillett Steel, a firm of structural engineers devised a system to support the foot bridge but without altering the structure of the existing bridge. These proposals completely respect the historic importance of the structure but would offer pedestrians a safe alternative route."

Also, by constructing a new footbridge it would enable the existing road to be widened slightly thus allowing traffic to navigate the bridge more easily and avoiding queuing traffic polluting the air.

Cllr Martin Tod, Cabinet member for economic recovery and also a county councillor, said county official had recently visited the bridge to discuss the issue. He said it was vital to address the problem with the Winchester Movement Strategy aiming to get more people walking and cycling.

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