Works to complete the extensive refurbishment of a footbridge in Windsor, which aims to enhance the sense of welcome into the town centre, will start on Tuesday 2 January, 2024.
The investment in this important gateway into Windsor, which connects the Coach Park to the town centre for pedestrians, is required to maintain the bridge and is part of wider improvements to enhance the sense of arrival into Windsor by the Royal Borough.
The final phase will involve the full closure of the bridge for about 17 weeks, with signposted alternative routes and lift access in place from the Coach Park to the town centre and castle. Access to all businesses will be maintained throughout.
In September, in response to feedback from businesses, the council split the refurbishment into two phases in order to avoid any scaffolding or bridge closure during this important time of year for businesses. Phase one is complete and saw the bridge lift refurbished.
The final phase will comprise the complete cleaning and repainting of the steel bridge structure, preventative maintenance and anti-corrosion works, installation of new bridge lighting, cleaning the Perspex canopy and applying a mirror film to the underside of the canopy.
Preparatory works will start on Tuesday 2 January, with the refurbishment expected to take around 17 weeks. During this time, the bridge and lift will need to be closed to the public and encapsulated in scaffolding due to proximity to a working railway platform.
Councillor Amy Tisi, Cabinet member for children’s services, education and Windsor, said: “The bridge is a key gateway into Windsor, and the council is required to repair and maintain it under a lease with Network Rail. After listening to businesses, I liaised with officers who revised the work programme into two phases – pre- and post- Christmas – which means we’ve completely avoided any scaffolding or bridge closure during the important festive period.
“With the lift now looking great, we’re aiming to begin and complete refurbishment of the bridge structure itself as soon as possible, and we’re sharing the start date now so people have advanced awareness. While there’s never an ideal time to complete such works, this investment is vital as the bridge hasn’t been maintained for many years and it is important it’s completed before further deterioration. I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing patience.”