Sub-contractors’ Covid outbreak means delay to Manton Lane footbridge installation

The installation of the new footbridge over Manton Lane has been delayed by a month due to an outbreak of Covid-19 (coronavirus) at a sub-contractors’ facility.

The work was due to take place this month, but is delayed until January 2021.

The footbridge will make it easier for pedestrians to cross Manton Lane which will ease congestion and improve road safety.

The well known traffic hotspot has undergone a raft of improvements including road widening and the installation of traffic signals and the final fencing and surfacing works will finish on 2 January.

The footbridge installation will take place between 18:00 on Friday 22 January and 06:00 on Monday 25 January.

The road will be closed throughout these works and a signed diversion will be in place. Once installed the bridge will undergo a final safety inspection before being opened to the public.

Due to the disruption this closure will cause to local bus services, with three stops unable to be served by the number 6 bus, the Council will be providing a free shuttle bus service between Manton Lane/Brickhill Drive, via Gainsborough Rise and Turner Way, to the bus station.

Further details on this will be available in the New Year.

Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Highways said: “It is unfortunate that the installation of this footbridge will have to be delayed – but it is of course right that the sub-contractors follow the measures they have to, to keep their staff and the public safe.

“The former bridge was demolished over a decade ago, and we have seen the impact that this has had on traffic in the area.”

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