Construction of £8.3m bridge to begin next year

The full Cygnet Bridge works are expected to start in 2026

The building of an £8.3m bridge for walkers and cyclists over the River Nene in Peterborough will begin next year, the city council has said.

Cygnet Bridge will link Fletton Quays to the Embankment as officials look to ease pressure on traffic routes in the city centre.

The Labour-led council said sewer diversion works would begin next month and last for eight weeks before a full build next year, to avoid the winter weather.

Nick Thulbourn, cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said the bridge would "play a key role in creating a more connected and walkable city".

The project was initially expected to cost £6.3m, but the budget was increased by £2m due to changes to the design and necessary sewage diversions.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has contributed £5.4m, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has pledged £2m, with the remainder coming from the council's redevelopment budget.

It has drawn criticism from Peterborough residents, with some questioning the need for the bridge and its value for money, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

To facilitate next month's works, a section of the footpath along the Embankment will be temporarily closed, with marked diversion routes for pedestrians.

Thulbourn, Labour, said: "The bridge is in the final stages of design and undergoing standard industry checks.

"This bridge will play a key role in creating a more connected and walkable city, improving access across the Embankment."