City centre bridge given its official opening

The project, which got under way in 2023, cost £21.5m

A newly-built bridge in Chelmsford city centre has been officially opened.

Bow Bridge Road is a 50m-long road and footbridge providing access to a new waterside neighbourhood.

Work began in October 2023 and was finished this spring as planned. Final checks by Essex County Council have now been completed.

City council leader Stephen Robinson said: "Today marks a substantial step forward in the regeneration of this important city centre site."

Bow Bridge Road was opened by the Mayor of Chelmsford Jannetta Sosin

Robinson, a Liberal Democrat, added: "Bow Bridge Road is a significant element of the infrastructure needed to unlock new areas of Chelmer Waterside, helping the council to deliver new homes and a better-connected community.

"Investment in infrastructure of this kind – in advance of development – supports the long-term growth and sustainability of new neighbourhoods like Chelmer Waterside, and I want to thank the whole project team for helping us to accomplish this remarkable achievement."

The bridge has been paid for by the government's Housing Infrastructure Fund and money from Taylor Wimpey and other developers ringfenced for infrastructure projects.

Andrew Henry, of contractor Graham, said: "By focusing on efficient design and sustainable construction methods, we've created infrastructure that is both functional and visually striking and supports Chelmsford's vision for urban regeneration while minimising environmental impact."