Laura Sanchez, Executive Principal of Cedars Academy, cuts a ribbon marking the official opening of the new £1.5m footbridge over the A6 dual-carriageway in Birstall, accompanied by representatives from contractor Danaher & Walsh Civil Engineering, scheme financier Jelson Homes and design engineers William Saunders
A brand new £1.5m footbridge across the A6 dual carriageway in Birstall, Leicester, was officially opened at noon yesterday.
The 50 metre footbridge spans from the Hallam Fields estate to the Birstall Park & Ride site, with a new combined footway and cycleway providing an onward link to Cedars Academy. A current, final phase of works will see this footway and cycleway extended to the village of Wanlip.
The scheme was constructed by Mountsorrel-based contractor Danaher & Walsh Civil Engineering, who is this year celebrating 50 years in business. Danaher & Walsh previously constructed the footbridge connecting Abbey Park and Charter Street in Leicester city centre, which was opened a year ago.
The Birstall scheme was funded by Leicestershire housebuilder Jelson Homes as part of their extensive Hallam Fields residential development.
The bridge’s opening ceremony was attended by representatives from Cedars Academy, Danaher & Walsh, Jelson Homes, and design engineers William Saunders.
Marking the opening of the bridge, a ribbon was cut by Cedars Academy’s Executive Principal Laura Sanchez. Commenting on the significance of the bridge’s opening, Ms Sanchez said: “This bridge will make a massive difference to the local community, as well as the young people who attend Cedars Academy.
“It will allow for safe crossing of a very busy road, whilst also connecting our school with Hallam Fields.”
Ann Carruthers, Director of Environment & Transport at Leicestershire County Council, added: “I’m delighted that the Birstall footbridge is officially open to the public.
“The bridge will provide a safer route for schoolchildren to walk to school as well as provide easier access to the new Hallam Fields Estate and the Birstall Park and Ride services for those looking for a great way to travel into the city centre.”
