Communities living near the East Coast Main Line at Biggleswade are now able to cross the line by means of a new bridge, the Lindsells Crossing Bridleway Bridge.
The bridge is accessible to all and can be used not only by pedestrians but also by cyclists and horse riders.
Previously, local residents had to use the Lindsells level crossing, where several ‘near misses' have occurred in recent years. Indeed, level crossing ‘near misses' happen all over the country, such as at this crossing in Worcestershire and at another in Hampshire.
Network Rail therefore believe that the bridleway bridge will reduce the chance of accidents on the busy line, as it has allowed them to shut the level crossing while still keeping communities connected.
This is an especially important development as the four tracks in the area see high volumes of traffic, with up to 300 trains each day passing at speeds of up to 125mph.
The bridleway bridge also forms part of Biggleswade's Green Wheel, a circular route for cyclists and pedestrians around the Biggleswade area.
The bridge consists of two 185-metre long ramps, one on each side of the East Coast Main Line, which reach a height of eight metres above the line.
Work on the key link has been ongoing for 18 months, and many of those involved in the project were there to witness its opening.
These included Central Bedfordshire Council's Chief Officer for Infrastructure Delivery, Paul Mason; Mayor of Biggleswade Town Council, Councillor Mark Foster; and Head of Route Safety, Health and Environment for Network Rail, Louise Cox.
Construction of the bridge also benefitted from funding by Homes England's Housing Infrastructure Fund.
We're thrilled to see this new bridleway bridge open which will provide a safe route across the busy East Coast Main Line for local people.
At Network Rail, keeping people safe on and around the railway is at the heart of everything we do, and it has been great to work with local stakeholders to deliver this project which will meet our values.
Louise Cox, Head of Route Safety, Health, and Environment for Network Rail
The new bridge is a welcome addition to the town and a key element of the ‘Biggleswade Green Wheel', that connects the town with its green spaces and making it safer for people to get outside and enjoy the countryside.
Councillor Hayley Whitaker, Central Bedfordshire's Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Families Education and Children
