Guernsey's Castle Cornet bridge set for replacement

Experts say the existing Castle Cornet Bridge is corroded and will eventually collapse

Guernsey's landmark Castle Cornet Bridge is likely to be replaced with a new version of the existing structure.

The plans - submitted by the States' Trading Supervisory Board (STSB) - are expected to cost between £6m and £7m.

The board said it should secure safe pedestrian and vehicle access to the castle, lighthouse and breakwater for more than 50 years.

It warned if no action was taken, the bridge would ultimately need to be closed due to risk of collapse.

The Castle Cornet bridge's existing concrete deck dates back to the 1950s.

The STSB said while an extensive recent inspection had extended the bridge's operational life, the corrosion to the bridge and wear to its underside could not be halted.

It recommended the bridge should be replaced with a like-for-like structure, with some design enhancements to meet modern health and safety standards and improve accessibility.

STSB President Deputy Peter Roffey said: "The replacement of the structure with design improvements emerged as the overwhelming first choice.

"Not only does it have the shortest anticipated delivery time, lowest base cost [and] least risk cost... it is likely to secure planning approval and require little more than scheduled maintenance for half a century to come."

Castle Cornet Bridge provides access to Castle Cornet, the breakwater and Castle Lighthouse.

Once formally approved, the board said it hoped the project would be completed by the end of 2026.

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