Plans drawn up for footbridge to replace Alma Bridge

Plans for a new footbridge in Sidmouth to replace Alma Bridge have been drawn up by Devon County Council.

The County Council will be presenting its designs for a 22-metre span bridge to Sidmouth Town Council on Monday 6 March as it looks to conduct initial consultations with stakeholders, including East Devon District Council, South West Water and Environment Agency.

The authority will also be carrying out investigation work early next month, with geotechnical inspections of the east cliffs being conducted at the potential location for the bridge. Alma Bridge will need to be closed for two days while this survey work takes place.

If the scheme is considered viable, the proposed structure would cross the River Sid by The Ham recreation ground, just upstream from the South West Water pumping station.

The steel structure would have steps at either end of the bridge to link to the Hanger Path. Part of the existing path from Pennington Point would be closed, and the remaining sections which would still be used would be re-graded where it connects with the new structure.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for bridges and local member for Sidmouth, said: "We're committed to finding a solution to replace Alma Bridge, and we now have a design for a structure further inland on which we can consult with partner agencies initially. We are keen to move forward with this option to commence construction as soon as possible following the outcome of our consultations.”

Image courtesy of Devon County Council