Works begin on Abbey-Chesterton Bridge

The jetty will be closing in August to facilitate the works

We would like to update you on Chisholm Trail, a mostly off road north-south strategic foot and cycleway through Cambridge and plans for the Abbey-Chesterton bridge. Phase One, which will open up private green areas and link Stourbridge and Coldham’s Commons is currently under construction.

Initial works have included setting up the site depot, construction of a 350m of 'haul road' along the edge of Ditton Meadows to the bridge location, environmental and engineering surveys and clearance works. Off-site the bridge is being fabricated in a factory in Yorkshire.

Works will commence on site on the bridge structure this summer. Unfortunately, these works will necessitate the closure of the jetty under the railway bridge, partial closure of the river and full closure of the river to all access for a few hours at a time. These closures are needed in order to create a safe working environment for piling and construction of the bridge base. The jetty will also be replaced as part of these works. The works will involve the use of heavy machinery and we would like to apologise in advance for the noise.

We are working closely with Conservators of the River Cam to reduce the impact of the necessary river closures on access. Our contractors, Tarmac Infrastructure, will make every effort to ensure that full closures of the Cam take place outside of peak rowing times.

In order to keep the jetty open for as long as possible and to be responsive to works progress, the date and exact timings of the closures will be confirmed on signage by the jetty and on routes to the area. We anticipate the closure taking place from August 2019 and running through to Summer 2020, although if it is possible to open the path earlier every opportunity will be taken to do so.

The jetty under the railway bridge forms part of the National Cycle Route 51. We recognise that this is a popular route and diversions for pedestrians and cyclists will be put in place. We are also planning a range of engagement to alert residents and local path users to the works including a letter to residents of the north Abbey and Fen Ditton area as well as social media and on the ground signage.

Advance notice signage will be in place from the week of 22 July. Signs will include a contact number and highlight that information about the project available at: www.greatercambridge.org.uk/chisholm. Should you know of others who be interested in receiving updates, please let them  know that anyone can sign up to our email list and receive notifications about works via https://www.greatercambridge.org.uk/contact-us.    

If you have any questions, please get in touch via contactus@greatercambridge.org.uk.