A new bridge over the East Coast Main Line, made possible thanks to funding secured by Central Bedfordshire Council, has reached an important milestone.

Piling work has been carried out to create the foundations for Lindsells Bridge, which will cross four East Coast Main Line tracks and forms a key piece of infrastructure in Biggleswade.

The Council, working with Network Rail and main contractor Story Contracting, is replacing the existing gated level crossing to provide a safe and more accessible route for pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders using the bridleway.  This will also be part of the Council’s popular walking and cycling routes in the area. 

The new high-sided bridleway bridge will include steps and ramps to offer safe access for all and is being built approximately 400 metres to the north of the current level crossing.

The project is one of a series of schemes underway that will provide major infrastructure to support plans for new homes, growth, and jobs in Biggleswade in the coming years.

Cllr Kevin Collins, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration, said: “Lindsells Bridge will provide a safe route over the East Coast Main Line which is accessible to all walkers, cyclists, and equestrians using the popular Biggleswade Green Wheel Bridleway. This will encourage more active travel, benefit people’s health and well-being, and is important for the future of Biggleswade.

“We are making great strides in delivering the infrastructure schemes required to support more new homes, jobs, and economic growth in Biggleswade and Central Bedfordshire. This is sustainable growth that ensures our area continues to thrive.”

Luke Durston, Principal Programme Sponsor, Network Rail, said: “I am delighted that this work to replace Lindsells level crossing with a safe, accessible bridge for pedestrians, cyclists and riders is moving forward.

“We are committed to improving safety at all level crossings on the UK rail network and this bridge is vital to provide an alternative route across the tracks, allowing us to close the level crossing and remove any risk of error, misuse or misjudgement when people in the community cross the busy East Coast Main Line.”

The foundations will see bridge supports installed so the span of the bridge can be lifted into place over the tracks and electric lines. The bridge lifts are due to take place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 February using a 350-tonne crane. The complex engineering feat required a closure of the East Coast Main Line at the work site and is subject to appropriate weather as the lifts cannot take place in windy conditions.

Further work will be carried out later in the year to position the ramps at the side of the bridge. The current Network Rail level crossing will remain available for use until the bridge is open.

While the plans are approved, in line with local feedback, a variation of the bridge design with shorter ramps to reduce the impact on the environment is scheduled for discussion at Development Management Committee on Wednesday 22 February 2023.

Lindsells Bridge is one of the Biggleswade projects benefiting from £70million of government funding through the Housing Infrastructure Fund.

The Biggleswade programme, including the private sector investment to bring forward about 3,000 homes, will deliver about £1 billion of new investment to help the area and Central Bedfordshire thrive.

More information on the project is available at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/biggleswade