A 350-tonne crane has lifted the new Lindsells Bridge into position over the East Coast Mainline in Biggleswade.

Central Bedfordshire Council, together with Network Rail and Story Contracting, is delivering an important project to replace the existing gated level crossing with a safe and more accessible route for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders using the bridleway. 

This scheme is needed to support the planned growth in Biggleswade and will encourage more people to use the Council’s popular local walking and cycling routes.

Further work will be carried out at a later point to carefully lift the ramps into place at the sides of the bridge. In the meantime, the current Network Rail level crossing will remain available for use until the bridge is open.  

Additionally, a variation of the bridge design featuring shorter ramps, was discussed and approved at the Council’s Development Management Committee meeting (Wednesday 22 February 2023).  

Responding to public feedback on the bridge design, the revised ramps will reduce the length of the bridge by 13 metres and will be accompanied by landscaping. In total, 51 trees and over 3,000 other native woodland species will be planted around the bridge.

Councillor Kevin Collins, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration, said: “Lifting the bridge into place above the railway tracks and electric lines is a complex engineering feat and an important project milestone. 

“The scheme will provide a safe and accessible route over the East Coast Mainline and this should encourage more people to enjoy the popular Green Wheel Bridleway and all the associated health and wellbeing benefits walking and cycling have to offer.

“Lindsells Bridge forms part of the vital infrastructure needed to support our ambitious plans for new homes, growth, and jobs in Biggleswade and is an example of how we continue to plan for and create a prosperous Central Bedfordshire for all.” 

The plans for the new homes in Biggleswade will see more people potentially wanting to use the bridleway and a new bridge that provides a safe and accessible crossing point is a requirement to support this planned growth.

Luke Durston, Principal Programme Sponsor, Network Rail, said: “I am delighted that this work to replace Lindsells level crossing with a safe, accessible bridge for pedestrians, cyclists and riders is moving forward.

“We are committed to improving safety at all level crossings on the UK rail network and this bridge is vital to provide an alternative route across the tracks, allowing us to close the level crossing and remove any risk of error, misuse or misjudgement when people in the community cross the busy East Coast Main Line.”

The new Lindsells Bridge is one of the Biggleswade projects benefiting from £70 million of government funding through the Housing Infrastructure Fund. 

More information on the project is available on the Council’s website: https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/biggleswade