Replacement bridge damaged in storm due to reopen

The replacement bridge has required a significant engineering project

A bridge is due to reopen nearly two years after it was damaged in a winter storm and following a large engineering project.

Coleridge Bridge, which links the two parts of Ottery St Mary, was closed to the public in December 2023 after being hit by a tree, which damaged its deck and truss.

The four parts of the pedestrian bridge were dismantled and taken away in July with three of them being repaired and one completely replaced.

The councillor for the area said having the bridge reopened on Wedensday would offer a much safer route for people, including hundreds of schoolchildren, going between two parts of the town.

The bridge will reconnect two parts of Ottery St Mary

Devon County Council said the central pier had also been further protected with sheet piling and reinforced concrete.

Jess Bailey, councillor for Otter Valley, said: "It's been out of action for nearly two years, during which time Ottery residents and students of the King's School have had no choice but to walk along a busy main road to and from the centre of Ottery.

"The bridge reopening means once again there is a safe and direct walking route."

The council said the contractor would remain on site, rebuilding the riverbank and returning the flood plain to its previous levels.

'Smashed into bridge'

Local residents Carol and Thomas Corchoran were on the bridge when it was damaged.

Mrs Corchoran said: "We were two thirds across the bridge and then my husband just said: 'Watch it, it's going.'

"Then the tree slowly started to come over, then, as the wind caught it, it smashed into the bridge right in front of us.

"My husband pulled some of the branches back, I held some more and crawled underneath. But, looking back, we shouldn't have."

She added about the latest structure: "I am absolutely thrilled. It's better than the old one.

"I'm pleased to see it reopen for a lot of reasons, it means I can go to town again."