Part of River Nene in Peterborough to be closed for Cygnet Bridge construction
Part of the River Nene will be closed to boats for more than a month to allow construction of the Cygnet Bridge.
Restrictions will be placed on part of the river from Monday 16 November until Thursday 24 December to enable the safe construction of the bridge, which will link Fletton Quays with The Embankment.
A formal notice has been issued by the Environment Agency advertising that river navigation will be prohibited approximately 100 metres upstream and downstream of the bridge construction site, with the closure enforced by river booms and signage.
Peterborough City Council said they would like to assure residents and river users that every effort will be made to minimise disruption. The closure will be in place during times when construction is being carried out (between 7am - 6pm weekdays and some weekends) and where possible, the river will be re-opened to traffic.
The temporary closure is essential to help ensure the safety of both the general public and Cygnet Bridge construction staff. During this period, the bridge's mast and deck sections are scheduled to be installed.
The giant masts arrived last month ahead of the major works.
Councillor Angus Ellis, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "The closure of the river is essential to ensure the safety of the public and operatives during the construction of the Cygnet Bridge. This is an exciting milestone for the scheme and very soon residents and visitors to the city will be able to see the impressive structure connecting the north and south side of the river.
"We would like to thank people for their patience whilst the works are being completed. Once completed, the bridge will play a key role in creating a more connected and walkable city, improving access across the Embankment and opening up potential development opportunities in future."
The new £8.3million cycle and pedestrian bridge over the River Nene is set to be completed in spring next year.
The Government's Towns Fund has pledged a total of £2 million towards the project. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has ring-fenced this money which means the council can only spend it on this project. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has contributed £5.4million. The remainder will come from the council’s own redevelopment budget.