New bridge ready to be installed over The Ride

Work to install a new bridge over The Ride will get under way this week.

The bridge, which is the second phase of the Laira Rail Bridge scheme, will extend the popular new pedestrian and cycle link even further towards Saltram Meadow and Plymstock.

Laira Rail Bridge will be closed from Wednesday 26 August while work to dismantle the temporary scaffolding ramp, install the new bridge, build a permanent access ramp and make the necessary highway alterations is carried out.

The work is being carried out by South West Highways and is expected to take around a month, with the complete scheme opening towards the end of September. In the meantime pedestrians and cyclists will be asked to use the alternative route over the road bridge.

The bridge itself will be lifted into place overnight on Friday 28 August and The Ride will be closed to vehicles (except emergency vehicles) from 7pm to 6am. The road will remain open to pedestrians although there may be some restrictions at times while lifting takes place overhead.

There may also be some single lane closures on The Ride during the works, but two-way traffic will be maintained.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport and Planning, said: “It’s been great to see so many people using the new walking and cycling link over the Laira Rail Bridge and this extension will take them safely over to the other side of the Ride. We’d like to thank everyone for their patience while the final phase of the scheme is completed.”

Subject to funding, the Council hopes to eventually extend the walking and cycling link down to Broxton Drive.

If weather conditions prevent the bridge from being lifted into place this Friday night the installation and road closure will be postponed until the following Friday.