New bridge will connect Stockport trails
Work is starting on a new bridge over the River Goyt linking Marple, Bredbury Green and Romiley, and to local and national trails.
Construction of the new Chadkirk Bridge is part of a national project from charity Sustrans to build new walking and cycling routes linking up communities across the UK.
The bridge, near Vale Road and Chadkirk Chapel, is designed for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists. It will improve community links within Stockport, National Cycle Network connections with the Middlewood Way from Marple to Macclesfield, and the Trans Pennine Trail, a national multi-user trail between the Irish and North Seas.
Works starts on the new bridge on 5 March and is expected to take 14 weeks.
Cllr Iain Roberts, executive member for transportation, said: "It's great to be able to give more people the opportunity to walk or cycle in Stockport. Chadkirk Bridge will provide a pleasant and safe off-road route for everyone, from cyclists, horse riders and walkers to commuters and schoolchildren."
Cllr Craig Wright, chairman of the Stockport Connect2 steering group, and a ward councillor, added: "I was delighted that the scheme attracted the support of the public in a national vote. This new river crossing will be a vital and well-used link between local communities in the east of the borough."
Peter Green, Sustrans' manager in Greater Manchester, said: "Encouraging more people to travel on foot or bike means first creating safer and more attractive spaces for walking and cycling in. The developments at Stockport are exactly that and will allow people to do their everyday journeys in more active and healthy ways."
Over the next few weeks, people will be asked to vote for their favourite local figures whose metal portraits will be placed next to the bridge. For more information about Chadkirk Bridge including a plan of the developments at Stockport, the bridge design, and route taken by the adjoining Hilltop Drive in Marple to the River Goyt bridleway log onto www.stockport.gov.uk/connect2 or visit Marple Library.
