Proposals for a new iconic foot and cycle bridge over the river #Lagan moved a step forward today with the announcement of a preferred option. The proposed bridge is a 141 metre long cable stayed bridge designed for use by pedestrians and cyclists. It will have a steel deck and 40 metre high steel towers which will be constructed close to the banks of the River Lagan, leaving the main central section of the river free from obstruction. A consultation on the environmental issues associated with the proposed bridge will take place in early January. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: “During the summer of 2013 I asked for a feasibility report for a new pedestrian/cycle bridge over the River Lagan in the vicinity of the Gasworks site. The feasibility study was published on 17 April 2014. Out of the 11 design options developed as part of the report, three options were recommended for further consideration. “We have now examined these options further and selected a preferred option which has a striking design and will be an iconic construction connecting two of the city’s key assets, the Gasworks Business Park and the Ormeau Park. It will also include a pedestrian and cycle crossing on Ormeau Embankment Road to allow access into Ormeau Park. “At a cost of between £7million to £9million, the preferred design is the least expensive of the three options and is expected to have the least environmental impact during construction. In addition, the steel towers will be built close to the banks of the river which will minimise the impact on the river.” The next stage in the process is to seek the views of stakeholders on the environmental issues associated with the proposed bridge. There will also be opportunities for the public to see the preferred design and to discuss the proposals with the design team in the early part of 2015. Subject to the outcome of these events, it is proposed that a planning application could be submitted later in 2015. Concluding Danny Kennedy said: “The proposed bridge is part of my commitment to developing sustainable modes of transport such as cycling and walking. I have been very encouraged by the increasing numbers of people opting to cycle around our city and it is important that we continue to develop an urban environment which provides people with accessible and attractive transport options.”
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 16:48:13 +0000
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