Construction of Cambridge's new cycling bridge to start

Work on the new Abbey Chesterton Bridge will start next month.

The bridge will form an essential part of planned cross-city cycling route, the Chisholm Trail, linking the railway stations in the north and south of Cambridge on a mainly traffic-free route.

Construction work on the bridge will see the jetty, which links the foot and cycle paths between Ditton Meadows and Stourbridge Common, removed over the summer.

Cyclists and pedestrians will need to follow a diversion route along Ditton Walk, Newmarket Road and Garlic Row until the bridge and new jetty are complete in 2021.

Cllr Ian Bates, vice chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership, said: “When complete, this wonderful project that has long been championed by the community will provide a safe and enjoyable off-road walking and cycling link between the two main railway stations, places of work and learning, and also open up beautiful lesser-used green spaces.”

Work is also ongoing to lay the foundations of the new foot and cycle path. A 350m ‘haul road’ – used to bring in construction materials - along the side of Ditton Meadow is nearly complete.

Phase one of the north-south Chisholm Trail – which is funded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership – and the Abbey Chesterton Bridge, which is funded by Cambridgeshire County Council, is expected to be complete in 2021.

This includes paths from Cambridge North station to Coldhams Lane, opening up green spaces, including the privately-owned Barnwell Lakes and Cambridge Past, Present and Future’s Leper Chapel. It will also join up to the guided busway at both Cambridge North and by Cambridge station.

Phase two of the GCP scheme will see the trail follow the railway line and link Cambridge railway station to Coldhams Lane.

Further information, visit greatercambridge.org.uk/chisholm.