The town council is looking at ways to improve safety for people crossing the river in the town centre – whether by the existing town bridge or via a new pedestrian bridge.
In 2021, the town council asked people for their views on travel and transport in and around Bradford on Avon.
Over 2,000 people completed the questionnaire. And over 600 people added comments to the interactive map used as part of the consultation.
The future of transport report, identified 3 key priorities for the town:
- reducing traffic volume
- improving pedestrian and cyclist safety
- improving air quality.
This report has led to us working with Wiltshire Council on traffic modelling with a view to delivering road and infrastructure changes in the town that will meet these priorities.
Another key take away was that almost 70% of people said a new pedestrian river crossing was something which would encourage them to walk or cycle.
Consequently, at the Sustainable Travel committee meeting on Tuesday 25 July, councillors voted to appoint Sustrans to write a strategic outline case for the safer river crossing project.
This is because a new river crossing – or a crossing that modifies and uses the existing bridge – could contribute to all 3 of these priorities – and could complement the project or projects that are identified by the traffic modelling.
Strategic Outline Case
A Strategic Outline Case (SOC) is a document needed by public sector bodies to determine the context, need, affordability and deliverability of a project.
The SOC is the first stage of building a business case – which the government need when considering major projects such as this.
Sustrans and the town council are launched a consultation on the Safer Bradford on Avon Crossing in late 2023. The aim of the project is to create a safe walking link across the river.
A Strategic Outline Case was presented to the Sustainable Travel committee on Tuesday 11 June 2024.
What’s happening now?
A safer crossing is needed to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in the town – and to encourage more active travel. There are 2 potential locations gleaned in the SOC based on the consultation – both link the library car park to the other side of the river.
One outside of the former Weaving Shed and the other slightly further upstream near Kingston Square.
It was agreed that the project brought a positive benefit and would be good value for money.
The report has been sent to Wiltshire Council – and we look forward to further developments which we’ll share when we can.
More information
There’s detailed guidance for transport businesses cases on the gov.uk website that provides more information about this.