New swing bridge installed at Wichelstowe

A significant new chapter in the ongoing restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal has been marked with the installation of a new swing bridge at Wichelstowe.

The bridge, known as Bushey Fox Bridge, has been installed on the latest section of canal being constructed by the joint venture between Swindon Borough Council and Barratt Developments PLC.

It marks a key milestone in the delivery of a new 600-metre stretch of canal which extends south from the Wichelstowe district centre before turning east towards Mill Lane.

Designed to provide a safe and accessible crossing point for walkers, wheelchair users, cyclists and other towpath users, the six-metre-long bridge will remain locked in its closed position until a boat needs to pass through.

Canal users will then be able to unlock and manually swing the bridge open.

The bridge, which was lifted into place by crane, has been fabricated off-site by EKSPAN, with the supporting walls and landing points constructed by main contractor Fox (Owmby) Ltd. It rotates on a bearing system and rests within a specially-designed shelf in the canal bank while boats pass through.

The bridge deck is made from a durable composite material, similar to that used on the nearby boardwalk, containing the equivalent of 140 recycled plastic bottles per square metre.

More than £5m is being invested in the current canal works, together with the adjacent road bridge known as Badgers Bridge.

The canal has been widened at the junction point to allow boats to turn, while ecological features have been incorporated throughout the scheme. Outside the engineered sections close to the bridges, the canal’s soft edges have been designed to create habitats for water voles and other wildlife.

Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, said: “The installation of Bushey Fox Bridge is another exciting milestone for Wichelstowe and the restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal.

“This project demonstrates the quality and ambition of the development, creating infrastructure that is not only practical but also enhances the character of the area for residents and visitors alike.

“The canal has always been a key part of the vision for Wichelstowe. Seeing this new section take shape, complete with its unique swing bridge, is a fantastic example of the progress being made and the long-term investment being delivered through our partnership with Barratt Developments.

“As well as supporting future canal use, the bridge and surrounding canal corridor will provide an attractive environment for walking, cycling and enjoying nature for many years to come.”

Bushey Fox Bridge takes its name from the historic Bushey Leaze crossing on the original canal, while also recognising Fox (Owmby) Ltd, the contractor delivering the works. The adjacent road crossing has already been named Badgers Bridge in recognition of a historic crossing point in the same area.

Rob Powe, Development Manager for Wichelstowe LLP, said: “We have been able to make fantastic progress on the canal and bridge works this spring and summer and we are delighted to hit this milestone.

“Canal construction is always very weather dependent with dry, but not too dry, conditions required to dig the canal channel and then rain needed to fill up the canal this winter.”

Wichelstowe is one of the largest residential developments in the South West and will eventually deliver up to 4,500 homes, alongside schools, employment space, leisure facilities and extensive green infrastructure.