Option development
The WelTAG Stage One report provided a clear and evidence-based description of the issues that need addressing. It identified a long list of 16 options. From this long list, we shortlisted 4 options for further consideration.
Short list of options
These options have been chosen based on stakeholder discussions and how well they address the identified issues.
These options all include the potential to reduce the speed limit along the A547, improve lighting and CCTV, as well as a campaign to improve interaction on shared paths between pedestrians and cyclists.
Two other options, involving pedestrians using the suspension bridge and cyclists using the road bridge, were not progressed following design development and further stakeholder consultation. There were safety concerns for non-experienced cyclists sharing road space with vehicles and concerns for pedestrian safety. These options also removed pedestrian access to the road bridge, which is used as a viewpoint for tourists.
Option A3 - Narrow Existing Traffic Lanes (one-way shuttle running)
Cost: £1,864,202
- narrow the existing road
- use the space to widen the existing shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists
- traffic signals to control traffic at either side of the bridge, with traffic taking turns to travel in one direction at a time
Option A3 Consultation Drawing (PDF)
Option C3 - Use Suspension Bridge (Cyclists crossing A547)
Cost: £353,409
- toucan crossings so cyclist and pedestrians can cross the road
- cyclists and pedestrians use the suspension bridge
- prohibit cyclists from using existing footway on road bridge
Option C3 Consultation Drawing (PDF)
Option D1 - New Single Arch Shared-Use Bridge
Cost: £27,806,087
- new standalone single arch shared-use bridge (with or without segregation) north of existing road bridge
- up to 5m in width and 160m length
Option D1 Consultation Drawing (PDF)
Option D2 - Widen Existing Road Bridge on Northern Side
Cost: £9,564,480
- widen the existing road bridge via a cantilever on the north side to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians on the northern side
Option D2 Consultation Drawing (PDF)
Appraisal of options
We have assessed each shortlisted option and scored them on:
- scheme objectives
- social and cultural considerations
- environmental considerations
- economic considerations
The assessments compare with the “Do Nothing” scenario, which is the existing situation with limited intervention and includes any future development in the Local Development Plan (LDP). The assessment also considers how well each option solves the identified problems.
We have assessed the significance and size of the impacts using a seven-point scale:
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