New bridge provides vital link for Kenilworth

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IH

15 September. Updated: 19 September 10:36

A NEW bridge appeared overnight in Kenilworth.
The pedestrian and cycle bridge over the the A429 Coventry Road, which will form the centrepiece of a series of new links for townspeople, was dropped into place at the weekend.
The new route follows the former Kenilworth to Berkswell railway line to providing a greenway link to homes, schools and workplaces across the town. It will also provide a direct off-road route from the town to Warwick University.
The scheme is part of a national project from transport charity Sustrans, who are creating a series of new walking and cycling routes across the UK overcoming barriers to everyday journeys, linking people from where they live to where they need to go as well as other routes including the National Cycle Network.
The project received £50 million from the Big Lottery Fund in 2007, with part of the grant making its way to Kenilworth, alongside match funding from Warwickshire County Council.
Yvonne Gilligan, Sustrans’ Regional Director in the West Midlands, said: “Seeing the bridge get lifted into place over the A429 is a significant milestone for this project, which will make a real difference to how people make their everyday journeys in Kenilworth.”
Coun Helen Walton, Warwickshire County Council's member responsible for greenways, said: “A lot of work has been put in to get to this stage, and it will have such a positive impact on the local environment.
“The new bridge and network of improved off-road paths will make it much safer and easier for people to get around under their own steam.”
Finishing touches still have to be made before the bridge is open for use by the end of the month.