A major milestone has been reached in the restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal after a new swing bridge was lifted into place at Wichelstowe.
The six-metre Bushey Fox Bridge was installed by crane on the latest stretch of canal under construction as part of the long-running regeneration of the southern Swindon development.
The bridge forms part of a new 600-metre section of canal extending south from Wichelstowe’s district centre before turning east towards Mill Lane. It has been designed to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and others using the towpath, while allowing boats to pass when required.
Unlike a traditional fixed crossing, the bridge will remain locked in its closed position before being manually swung open by canal users whenever a boat needs to navigate through.
Manufactured off-site by EKSPAN, the bridge has been installed on supporting structures built by main contractor Fox (Owmby) Ltd. It operates on a bearing system, allowing it to rotate into a purpose-built recess in the canal bank while vessels pass.
Its deck has been constructed using a hard-wearing composite material similar to that used on the nearby boardwalk, with each square metre containing the equivalent of 140 recycled plastic bottles.
The bridge is part of a wider investment of more than £5 million in the latest phase of canal restoration, which also includes the construction of the adjacent road crossing, Badgers Bridge.
Engineers have widened the canal at the junction to allow boats to turn, while the surrounding landscape has been designed with wildlife in mind. Away from the engineered sections around the bridges, softer canal edges have been created to provide habitats for water voles and other native species.
Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, said: “The installation of Bushey Fox Bridge is another exciting milestone for Wichelstowe and the restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal.
“This project demonstrates the quality and ambition of the development, creating infrastructure that is not only practical but also enhances the character of the area for residents and visitors alike.
“The canal has always been a key part of the vision for Wichelstowe. Seeing this new section take shape, complete with its unique swing bridge, is a fantastic example of the progress being made and the long-term investment being delivered through our partnership with Barratt Developments.
“As well as supporting future canal use, the bridge and surrounding canal corridor will provide an attractive environment for walking, cycling and enjoying nature for many years to come.”
The bridge takes its name from the historic Bushey Leaze crossing on the original Wilts & Berks Canal, while also recognising Fox (Owmby) Ltd, the contractor responsible for delivering the works. Nearby, the new road crossing has already been named Badgers Bridge, reflecting another historic crossing point in the area.
Rob Powe, Development Manager for Wichelstowe LLP, said: “We have been able to make fantastic progress on the canal and bridge works this spring and summer and we are delighted to hit this milestone.
“Canal construction is always very weather dependent with dry, but not too dry, conditions required to dig the canal channel and then rain needed to fill up the canal this winter.”
Wichelstowe remains one of the South West’s largest regeneration projects and is expected to deliver up to 4,500 homes, alongside new schools, employment space, leisure facilities and extensive green infrastructure over the coming years.
