Have your say on plans for new bridge at Weymouth Swannery

As part of a bid to a government fund, Dorset Council will propose a new crossing at Weymouth train station which it hopes will improve connectivity, enhance the pedestrian and cycle network and improve accessibility to the town.

The B3155 Swannery Bridge is the main road access to Weymouth train station and the town centre and is an important link between residential areas to the west, including Southill and Westham, and northern parts of the town centre, such as Weymouth College and Weymouth Community Hospital.

Currently, there is no safe direct crossing on the Swannery Bridge for people walking and cycling between Southill, Westham, Rodwell Trail and the train station off King Street.

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The council is proposing a new 80 metre long pedestrian and cycling bridge be built alongside the Swannery Bridge to connect to existing pedestrian and cycle paths either side of Radipole Lake which would connect the Rodwell Trail and routes to the train station and the Esplanade at Jubilee Clock.

Aerial View of Swannery Bridge and surrounding pedestrian/cycle paths showing proposed line of new bridge crossing Picture: Dorset Council

Proposals will also be submitted for an extension of 100 metres of cycleway on King Street between the Commercial Road junction and the train station, a park on the section of disused railway between King Street and the Jubilee Trading Estate providing a pedestrian connection to the north of Weymouth via the Alexander footbridge, and making Park Street two-way for cyclists.

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Residents are encouraged to participate in a survey designed to gauge the level of support for the project in the town.

West elevation of Swannery Bridge showing proposed line of pedestrian/cycle crossing Picture: Dorset Council

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment, said: "We want to know what Weymouth residents think about these exciting proposals that, if implemented, would provide easier and safer access to the station and town centre for people on foot and bike. This would reduce congestion on key town centre routes and improve public health from increased regular active journeys.

"Whether we could go ahead with such an ambitious scheme is dependent on securing funding, so it's vitally important that we have wide support from the local community before we submit the bid to the Government's Levelling Up Fund."

Proposed foot/cycle access to Weymouth Station Picture: Dorset Council

For more information and to participate in the survey, visit www.bit.ly/3bWOgdp

You can also share your views in our quick straw poll - click here to take part