District bids farewell to old Aquadrome bridge

Over the weekend (15 February and 16 February), Beaver Bridges used a 16.5 tonne crane to lift and remove the bridge to make way for the new gateway into the nature reserve next month.

A new bridge, funded largely by developer contributions, will be 48.6m in length and 3m wide – double in width than the old bridge to allow pedestrians, wheelchairs, buggies and cyclists to pass each other safely and encourage sustainable travel. The surrounding area will be attractively landscaped to provide a great view of Batchworth Lake.

Emma Sheridan, the council’s Associate Director for Environment, said: “After decades of service, it’s time to say goodbye to the old pedestrian bridge as its usable life has sadly come to an end. As you can see from the photos, the bridge has degraded over the years, requiring significant funding and further disruption to keep it in a safe and working condition.

“The old bridge has gone off to be disassembled and recycled for other uses. The gap that links the nature reserve with the town won’t be there for long, as the new gateway that will create much more of an entrance to the site will soon be installed.

“I would like to thank everyone for their patience during the removal works, and remind visitors that the Aquadrome is still open and be accessed via the car park, towpath by the canal, or by following the established diversion signage.”

Three Rivers District Council is asking residents and visitors to comment on five shortlisted names for the new bridge. You can have your say here.