Update: Bishopsford Road Bridge to include active travel

In February, Merton Council's Cabinet gave the go-ahead to demolish and re-build Bishopsford Bridge, following its partial collapse into the River Wandle after heavy rainfall last June.

Following the parallel development of two new-build bridge design options, a community consultation took place in May 2020.

The design options received 260 votes with the following results:

Option 1 Brickwork and railings

Option one received 51% of the votes with residents commenting the design looked 'traditional' and 'historic' like the existing bridge.

Option 2 Railings only

Option two received 39% of the votes with residents commenting the proposed design will open up the view of the river and surrounding natural environment.

10% had no preference.

Respondents across all preferences raised their concerns about 'potentially' missing an opportunity to support cycling and walking.

They wanted to see the new structure offer provision for active travel and be built safely to minimise accident risk from vehicles and pedestrians.

In recognition of this, Merton Council and WSP elected to complete the bridge design with a bridge widened to the west including a dedicated cycle lane and a shared cycle pedestrian space to the east.

The Planning, Design and Access Statement states: "By incorporating the formerly separate east side walkway into a shared space, the new design optimises the opportunity to view the river Wandle and the surrounding natural landscape by minimising visual obstructions to the east.

"A high-quality new bridge design is presented which is not only an appropriate solution in the surrounding context, but also caters for the demands of the modern transport system and responds to Merton Council's sustainable and active travel policies and emerging policy.

"Construction of this new bridge will provide the best service to the area."

You can have your say on the plans before September 3.

For more information click here