'Weak' footbridge in Taunton will not reopen to public

An inspection of the bridge has revealed there are "significant" structural weaknesses within the joists

A footbridge over the River Tone will not reopen to the public after studies found it is "not viable to repair".

The footbridge in Taunton town centre was closed by Somerset West and Taunton Council in November 2022 for repairs.

An inspection of the bridge has revealed there are "significant" structural weaknesses within the joists.

As a result, the bridge will remain closed and may eventually be removed.

Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and transport, confirmed the news in a report for the full council on 7 February.

He said in his written report: "A further inspection has taken place and we have now received the full structural report, which confirms the bridge is not viable to repair.

"We are compiling a report giving options for discussion with councillors and senior officers."

A decision on a new footbridge is expected to be taken by the new unitary Somerset Council

The bridge connects the Riverain Lodge retirement community on the north bank of the river to the wider Goodland Gardens area, including the Museum of Somerset and the rainbow path which opened in June 2021.

A decision on any new footbridge is expected to be taken by the new unitary Somerset Council, which will replace the existing council on 1 April.

Until a replacement is erected, pedestrians wishing to cross the river will have to use the road bridges on the A3807 Tangier Way to the south or the A3027 The Bridge to the north.

A decision on separate plans for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge downstream, linking the Coal Orchard regeneration site to the existing cycling network and the Morrisons supermarket, will be taken later in the year.