New pedestrian and cycling bridge for Billacombe Road

Plans for a pedestrian and cycling bridge over Billacombe Road are being brought forward, thanks to advance funding from the Council.

The developer of the Saltram Meadow estate is required to fund the bridge as part of its Section 106 agreement but the money is not due until phase two is complete – which could be some time away.

To help improve safety for residents already living on the estate, the Council has agreed to allocate funding for the bridge from its capital programme, which will be repaid when the Section 106 money is released by the developer.

Councillor Patrick Nicholson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Transport, Housing and Planning said: “I’m pleased to see the crossing is nearing completion and I’m sure residents will welcome more definite timescales for the new footbridge.”

The Council is allocating £693,000 to start the procurement process to build a bridge ahead of the new Plymstock Quarry development being completed.

The A379 is a very busy road and children and young people from Pomphlett primary and Plymstock School have to cross it. There are already about 250 homes built in the quarry, but the new bridge was not due to be built until the 932nd was occupied.

It is also hoped that current Plymstock residents will use the facilities within the new development when they are built or pass through the site to get to the proposed countryside parkland beyond.

The bridge will be between three and four metres wide and y 60m in length and will be built near the existing Broxton Drive – which is currently the only access to the site from Billacombe Road.

The bridge could link with existing cycle schemes which are in the process of being built or developed to connect the Plymstock Quarry development with the City Centre.

The former Laira Rail Bridge has been upgraded and a new bridge spanning The Ride has also been built. Further upgrades to the former rail line are being investigated.

Councillor Nicholson said: “We are taking a pro-active approach and getting on with the preparation work needed to design and plan a bridge.

“While this sizeable development means more homes and growth for Plymouth, we appreciate that many commuters who use this road are worried that their journey times are longer.  We are listening to their concerns.”

The delegated decision is subject to call in by scrutiny.